Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has expressed that he can clearly envision Lewis Hamilton stepping away from racing this season, given his difficulties since joining Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has appeared disheartened during recent race weekends, notably at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he admitted feeling “useless” and suggested Ferrari might need to consider a different driver.
Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari and Adaptation Challenges
After a highly successful 12-year career with Mercedes, securing six championships, Hamilton moved to Ferrari hoping to fulfill his desire to drive for the historic team and aim for a record eighth title. However, at age 40, he has struggled to adjust to his new car, frequently being outpaced by his teammate Charles Leclerc. These ongoing challenges have taken an evident toll on Hamilton’s confidence and performance.
The Impact of Comparison and Self-Doubt on Hamilton’s Mindset
Ralf Schumacher highlighted how difficult it is for any driver to maintain confidence when they consistently fail to match their teammate’s pace. He explained,
“That’s actually a pretty simple process. You watch your team-mate do something, and you try and try and try – and you just can’t get it to work,”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
He added that after persistent efforts fail, self-doubt starts to take hold:
“At some point you think, ‘Well, I’ve tried everything with this car. The guy’s just better.’ And when you can’t find a way, self-doubt creeps in. Then you think: ‘Why am I even doing this? I don’t enjoy it anymore. I’m leaving my family behind.’ Okay, Lewis doesn’t have one – but friends and your circle. And then that process begins.”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
Potential Shift Towards Business Ventures Outside Racing
Schumacher suggested that Hamilton could choose to focus more on his successful interests beyond Formula 1. With his considerable wealth and ventures such as film production, Hamilton might decide to retire from racing and pursue these opportunities full-time. Schumacher remarked,
“Lewis is a very wealthy man. He might just say, ‘Alright, I’ll do something else. I’ll just make films now. That’s going well too – he’s involved in that new F1 movie. ‘Why should I keep putting myself through this?’ And that’s a process that, at 40, is not far-fetched. You don’t have to spend your life driving in circles.”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
Hope for a Turnaround and What Could Influence Hamilton’s Decision
Despite the uncertainty, Schumacher pointed out that a positive change in Hamilton’s results could revive his passion for racing and make retirement less likely. Hamilton’s own recent comments echo this possibility, as he expressed a desire to reset during the summer break before returning at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 29 to 31. Schumacher explained,
“So yes – based on his statements, I could absolutely see him doing that. You know we’ve covered that only three months ago, when everybody was criticising us – me especially – why I think Lewis could retire. But now he is talking about that himself. Something has happened.”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
He compared the potential spark needed to re-energize Hamilton’s drive to moments in sports where a key achievement reignites determination:
“I think: If he manages to turn things around, then it’s old news. Sometimes it only takes one, two situations that can carry you going forward, that make you enjoy it again. Maybe it’s like in soccer when you score a goal after a long time without a hit.”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
Schumacher further emphasized the significance of achieving an unexpected strong performance:
“This is the one ultimate lap for a racing driver – to achieve that lap and win a podium that nobody believed you could do. When this happens, fine. But if not, then I wouldn’t rule out Lewis quitting at the end of the year.”
—Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver
The Road Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing battle with Ferrari has raised questions about his future in Formula 1. His decision to use the mid-season break as a time to recharge suggests he remains determined to find renewed motivation. However, the combination of performance frustrations and mounting self-doubt, as highlighted by Schumacher, could influence whether Hamilton chooses to continue his racing career or pivot fully to other pursuits.
