'Lewis Hamilton isn't good enough': Schumacher's brutal reaction to Ferrari drama

Hamilton, Japanese GP, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

Ferrari

'Lewis Hamilton isn't good enough': Schumacher's brutal reaction to Ferrari drama

Lewis Hamilton has had a disappointing start to his Ferrari career

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Sunday 16 November 2025 17:59

Former F1 driver turned pundit Ralf Schumacher has said that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton 'simply isn't good enough.'

Hamilton has had a disappointing first season at Ferrari, not having picked up a single grand prix podium and sitting down in sixth in the drivers' championship.

His performances compared to team-mate Charles Leclerc have hampered Ferrari's pursuit of second in the constructors' championship, something that chairman John Elkann has recently said is still up for grabs.

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In a damning statement made about both Ferrari F1 drivers, Elkann said that Hamilton and Leclerc should 'talk less' and focus on their driving, with lots being made about those comments in recent days, including from the two drivers themselves.

Now, Sky Germany pundit Schumacher has said that Elkann's comments would have come completely out of the blue for Leclerc - who's sat 66 points ahead of Hamilton and has achieved seven grand prix podiums in 2025 - but that Hamilton could have expected a rather downbeat verdict of his performances.

"If I were Charles Leclerc, I'd definitely ask what the point of this is," Schumacher told Sky Germany. "I think Leclerc is doing a fantastic job and getting the best out of both the team and himself.

"He's also a likeable guy who fits right in at Ferrari. A family man, getting married soon, I'd send my manager over and ask what's going on. In situations like this, I've always had a plan B with my manager, and I'd do the same in his position, because I wouldn't let myself be taken for a ride.

"With Lewis Hamilton, it's quite clear. I believe this is the most expensive personnel decision Ferrari has made in a long time. His performance isn't up to par, and I think it was also a subtle warning to Lewis Hamilton, because Lewis has tended to be rather down this year.

"Lewis Hamilton simply isn't good enough. I think Ferrari expected more, John Elkann expected more; the name drove the share price up, but unfortunately, the results didn't."

Can Hamilton bounce back in 2026?

The 66-point gap to his Ferrari team-mate Leclerc looks insurmountable in 2025 with just three race weekends remaining, but the Brit will likely look to use the rest of this season to rebuild his confidence.

Hamilton has a contract with Ferrari that runs to the end of 2026, and he will want to prove next season that he is worthy of a contract extension with the Maranello outfit.

Getting his first grand prix podium for the Scuderia would be a start, building that rapport with the fans that he's going to need if he is ever to challenge for an eighth world championship title.

2026 sees wholesale regulation changes entering F1, which may provide an opportunity for Ferrari to make a jump on their rivals, if they can master the new power unit and car design regulations.

It also provides an opportunity for Hamilton to drive a different type of car, having struggled so much in the ground effect era. The 40-year-old has claimed just two race victories since the last major regulation changes in 2022.

While an eighth world title seems a long way off, Hamilton would love the opportunity to be able to add to his record 105 grands prix victories next season.

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F1 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Ralf Schumacher