Michael Schumacher’s brother, Ralf, has criticized Lewis Hamilton, arguing that the British driver has never been able to lead a team the way Michael did. Both Schumacher and Hamilton are tied with seven Drivers’ Championship titles, and debates continue about who was the greatest driver in their prime.
However, Ralf, a former F1 driver himself, believes the comparison is clear-cut. Speaking ahead of Hamilton’s anticipated move to Ferrari, Ralf told Sport1.de: “The major difference is that Michael, among many other skills, was able to work with engineers to perfectly develop a car suited to his driving style.”
He added, “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that, if you listen to what Mercedes engineers have said.”
Ralf pointed out that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly stated that drivers should push the car to its limits while engineers do the development. However, Wolff also suggested that his drivers were often unable to provide the necessary feedback.
In contrast, Ralf emphasized, “Michael was different. He always gave clear direction to his key figures like Ross Brawn and Jean Todt.”
Ralf also doubts that Hamilton will be the leading driver at Ferrari. He explained, “That makes it even harder for Lewis because Charles Leclerc is the team’s number one. Everyone in the team knows him, whereas Lewis will be stepping into a new environment.”
Ralf further noted that Michael joined Ferrari as the reigning world champion and at a younger age, a stark contrast to Hamilton’s situation.
Previously, Ralf has expressed his belief that Hamilton’s success relies on a favorable environment, arguing that, like Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton needs everything to fall into place for him to perform at his best.
Ralf shared his thoughts with Sky Germany, stating, “Max Verstappen is really capable of giving that extra something that the exceptional world champions of the past had.”
While acknowledging Hamilton’s talent, Ralf questioned whether Hamilton should be considered among the all-time greats, noting, “There are not many like Max, and I honestly don’t count Hamilton among them.”
He pointed out Verstappen’s achievements despite difficult circumstances, like issues with team principal Christian Horner and the departure of Adrian Newey.
Hamilton will have an opportunity to prove his critics wrong when the 2025 Formula One season starts in March.
