Ralf Schumacher has raised the prospect that Fernando Alonso may be better positioned than Lewis Hamilton to fight for another Formula 1 world title, as both drivers eye opportunities to reclaim championship glory. The topic of Lewis Hamilton championship prospects has drawn renewed attention as Alonso, despite being 44, continues his remarkable career, and Hamilton faces challenges in his first Ferrari season.
Fernando Alonso’s exceptional longevity is setting new records in Formula 1, with the Spaniard now holding the distinction of racing in the most grands prix of any driver since his debut in 2001. Despite not winning a title since 2006, Alonso’s competitive drive remains undimmed.
Alonso’s Upside with Aston Martin and Adrian Newey
Currently racing with Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso is counting on the expertise of renowned designer Adrian Newey to transform the team’s prospects. His hope is to not only secure more podium finishes but to potentially achieve a 33rd grand prix victory, marking a major milestone in his storied career.
Alonso’s form in 2025 proved impressive as well. He managed to outqualify his younger team-mate Lance Stroll at every race that season and finished ahead of him in the drivers’ championship for a third consecutive year. This remarkable consistency has kept Alonso firmly in the mix among F1’s elite drivers.
Ralf Schumacher commented on Alonso’s resilience, stating,
“Fernando seems relaxed, even when he gets out of the race car. Experience helps too, and Fernando has plenty of it. He’s super motivated.”
– Ralf Schumacher, Former Formula 1 driver. Such motivation, along with vast experience, is seen as a critical advantage over many rivals.
Hamilton’s Difficult Debut at Ferrari Raises New Doubts
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging first season with Ferrari. Although a seven-time world champion, Hamilton was notably outperformed by his team-mate Charles Leclerc, whose points tally finished 86 ahead of Hamilton by the end of 2025. The disparity between the two has raised serious questions about Hamilton’s ability to return to his title-contending form.
Schumacher added insights about the current state of both drivers, noting,
“Why not? I think he’s still driving the car himself. With Lewis, you sometimes get the feeling that the car is driving him.”
– Ralf Schumacher, Former Formula 1 driver. This observation suggests Alonso’s command and adaptability might be superior in this phase of their respective careers.
Critical Juncture for the 2026 F1 Season
As the 2026 season approaches, with a major shift in technical regulations on the horizon, both Alonso and Hamilton hope their teams can provide cars capable of fighting for wins. Aston Martin and Ferrari concluded the 2025 season in seventh and fourth in the constructors’ championship respectively, neither achieving the dominant performance needed to secure a title.
Both seasoned drivers find time working against them as they approach the ends of their careers. Their rivalry, stretching back to their days as McLaren team-mates in 2007, adds to the intensity surrounding each man’s championship ambitions.
While Alonso has not stood atop the podium since winning the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, the anticipated arrival of Adrian Newey at Aston Martin is fueling hopes that he, rather than Stroll, could spearhead a genuine championship challenge if the team delivers a competitive car.
Comparison and Future Prospects for Championship Glory
If Aston Martin delivers a breakthrough, Alonso is widely viewed as the clear candidate to lead the team’s title fight. Meanwhile, despite Hamilton’s unparalleled achievements, the 2025 campaign suggests Ferrari would likely entrust a title run to Charles Leclerc should the car prove dominant. Thus, many see Alonso’s prospects as slightly stronger, contingent on the faith placed in Aston Martin versus Ferrari’s ability to deliver.
Ultimately, the coming seasons remain crucial for both revered drivers. The changes coming in 2026 could create fresh opportunities, but as recent results have shown, Fernando Alonso’s experience and motivation may prove to be the deciding advantage over Lewis Hamilton championship prospects in the race for another world title.
