Ralf Schumacheran elder Formula 1 driver and brother of the legendary Michael Schumacherexpressed skepticism about Lewis Hamilton chances of winning the F1 pilot championship In his first season with Ferrari in 2025. Speaking to the German news agency Dpa On March 3, 2025, Ralf described the perspective as “Very unrealistic” “ Citing the challenges that Hamilton will face adaptation to a new team after more than a decade with Mercedes.
Lewis HamiltonWho will be 40 years old in January 2025, obtained seven world titles – who ensured the record of Michael Schumacher – including six with Mercedes, where he also became the first pilot to exceed 100 racing victories and pole.
Ralf’s reasoning depends on the adjustment period that Hamilton will need in Ferrari. “When you join a new team, it takes at least six to eight months before you can really use the environment perfectly for yourself and know yourself – no matter the speed with which you feel comfortable,” He said, based on his own experience in six F1 teams from 1997 to 2007.
He suggested that this transition could give the driver out of Ferrari, Charles LeclercAn edge, declaring, “In one way or another, I have the feeling that Charles Leclerc will manage it if one of the Ferrari.” Leclerc, the main driver of Ferrari since 2019, has not yet won a title but is considered to be well integrated into the dynamics of the team.
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The move from Hamilton to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, marks a seismic change in F1. After a vegetable mandate with Mercedes (2013-2024), where he won a title for the last time in 2020, Hamilton was looking for an eighth championship to break the record he shared with Michael Schumacher, who won five of his seven titles with Ferrari (2000-2004). Ferrari, however, has not claimed the pilot championship since Kimi Ra? Ikko? Nen 2007 Triumph or a title of manufacturers since 2008, despite the recent competitiveness under the director of the team Fred Vasseur.
In 2024, Ferrari finished second in the manufacturers’ ranking, supported by Leclerc’s victories Monaco And MonzaAnd Carlos Sainz Victories in Australia And Mexicoyet they dragged the dominant team of Red Bull led by Max Verstappenwhich won the last four titles of the pilots (2021-2024).
Ralf’s doubts align with broader questions about the age and form of Hamilton. Also in 2024, Hamilton won at Silverstone and Spa but was exceeded 19-5 by the teammate of Mercedes George Russell, encouraging Hamilton to notice in Qatar That he is “Faster”– a comment certain interpreted as frustration rather than a literal self-assessment.
Critics like Ralf have already argued that Hamilton does not have the exceptional adaptability of drivers as VerstappenInstead of requiring a “Perfect” car, as he said Heaven Germany In 2024. However, the supporters of Hamilton highlighted his mixing preparation and hunger, as evidenced by his immersion at the beginning of 2025 in Ferrari, including factory visits and learning Italian to integrate into the team.
Ferrari’s prospects in 2025 depend on their car, Project 677developed under a new Technical Director of the Chassis Law? C Serra (ex-mercedes) after Enrico Cardin Departure for Aston Martin. The team keeps its unique tilrod rear suspension, a design choice linked to strong management Red Bull. Ralf’s skepticism contrasts with the optimism of others, like the old pilot Johnny Herbertwho said Talksport In February 2025, Hamilton’s ability to Schumacher to galvanize a team could lead to “Delight title” If Ferrari provides a competitive package.
Historically, Michael Schumacher took three seasons (1996-1999) To win his first title with Ferrari, arriving as a double world champion at 27, younger and with less mileage than Hamilton now. That Hamilton defies Ralf’s prediction depends on his adaptation speed, the performance of Leclerc and the Ferrari’s ability to challenge Red Bull in a closely disputed field. For the moment, Ralf sees the chances stacked against an immediate triumph of 2025.
