Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso should quit Formula 1 to make way for younger drivers

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Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso should retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season and make way for the next generation of driver talent.

Former Formula 1 driver turned Sky F1 pundit, Schumacher argued that although Hamilton has improved at Ferrari this year, the 8-time World Champion is unlikely to fulfil his dream of another title and will ultimately struggle to match team-mate Charles Leclerc over a full campaign.
“Lewis Hamilton is definitely in a better position this year, no question about it,” Schumacher said on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

Hamilton endured a difficult 2025 season without a single podium finish, but responded by securing his first Ferrari podium in only the second race of the 2026 campaign in China. Schumacher acknowledged the improvement and praised the Briton’s response after a challenging previous year.

“It’s great that he has made a kind of comeback,” Schumacher added.

Despite that progress, Schumacher doubts Hamilton can consistently compete with Leclerc over the course of the season” “He must acknowledge that he probably won’t have a chance against Charles Leclerc in the long run over the course of the year.”

Schumacher went further by including Alonso in his argument, insisting both veterans should step aside after long and successful careers in Formula 1: “I think they’ve had a wonderful time in Formula 1. And I think it’s time for both of them to vacate the cockpit at the end of the year and give young people a chance.”

Everything comes to an end

lewis hamilton mercedes fernando alonso ferrari press conference formula one 3211425

The German stressed Hamilton’s commercial and sporting value remains significant for Formula 1, but insisted age and the emergence of younger talent should now shape the future grid.

“Of course, we want to keep Lewis Hamilton because of his value to Formula 1, no question about it,” Schumacher added. “But I believe everything comes to an end.”

The six time Grand Prix wrinner believes several young drivers are ready to step up, pointing specifically to Haas rookie Oliver Bearman as a future Ferrari candidate: “I believe he deserves the chance to sit in a Ferrari.”

He also suggested Bearman has the potential to challenge Leclerc directly if promoted to the Scuderia: “I think he could be a challenge for Charles Leclerc in terms of performance,” Schumacher added.

The former Williams and Toyota driver also highlighted the broader talent pool emerging through Formula 2: “There are plenty of good, young drivers coming from Formula 2 who deserve a chance.”

With Hamilton now 41 and Alonso approaching 45, questions over how much longer both champions will remain on the Formula 1 grid continue to grow despite their enduring star power and experience.



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