Nov.13 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has ignited a storm around Ferrari by suggesting the team should consider replacing Lewis Hamilton with rising star Oliver Bearman.
Speaking to Sky Deutschland in the wake of Ferrari president John Elkann’s public criticism of the drivers, Schumacher said the 20-year-old Haas rookie represents a far better long-term investment.
“Ferrari has a young Bearman up its sleeve who’s doing wonders with the Haas. And he costs a fraction of what Lewis Hamilton does,” he said, adding that Hamilton earns “high double-digit figures”.
Schumacher doubts the seven-time world champion – who turns 41 before the 2026 season – can still reverse his form.
“Somehow you get the feeling that the film has become almost a bit too fast for him,” he said. “He needs too much energy to put in a fast lap. He has to give more than 100 percent to get past Leclerc, and that leads to mistakes.”
Hamilton’s error-ridden Brazilian GP only strengthened that view.
“He can’t get the car under control, makes mistakes, and gets penalised,” Schumacher added.
“If I were a manager, I would say ‘He’s not working out, so I’d rather put my faith in a young, talented driver like Bearman.'”
On Sky’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher repeated his view that paying Hamilton out “would not be an unusual solution – Ferrari has done that before.”
A Ferrari spokesperson, meanwhile, insisted Elkann’s “talk less” message was in fact “constructive”, not critical or hostile.
Others in the paddock weighed in as the speculation intensifies.
Dutch commentator Olav Mol told Ziggo Sport that while Hamilton’s season has been “quite disappointing”, Bearman’s momentum is impossible to ignore.
“Bearman has already scored four points in a row with that Haas,” he said.
“Something will only happen if Hamilton drops out. If Hamilton says he can’t handle it anymore, then Bearman is the ideal successor. He’s the crown prince.”
Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos said Elkann’s outburst reveals “serious irritation” inside Maranello.
“They happily pay Hamilton EUR 2.5 million every weekend, but he’s giving nothing in return,” he said. “They really need a miracle.”
And Christian Danner told Motorsport-Magazin that Hamilton’s overall focus appears to have shifted. “There’s just too much going on right now,” he said. “He doesn’t seem as focused on what’s happening on the track anymore.”
Danner also doubts Hamilton can shape Ferrari in the way he once imagined.
“I don’t believe Hamilton can change Ferrari the way he envisioned,” he said. “He’s not a team architect. He can inspire the team, but he doesn’t shape it.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES