Ex-Ferrari driver: 'Schumacher wouldn't want Hamilton as a teammate'

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari transfer reminds many of the transfer Michael Schumacher made to Ferrari in 1996. Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi also says Hamilton's transfer reminds him a lot of Schumacher's.

The combination of Hamilton and Ferrari makes a Formula One fan's heart beat. A historic team combined with one of the best Formula One drivers ever is a harbinger of an exciting time. The 2025 season is therefore one to look forward to.

Comparison between Hamilton and Schumacher

Jean Alesi drove at the Scuderia from 1991 to 1995. Although he was just short of being teammates with Michael Schumacher, the two knew each other well from their time in Formula 1. In an article by Corriere della Sera, the Frenchman shares his opinion on Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari. He compares the transfer to Schumacher's. ''Lewis's depth makes me think of Schumacher's, in terms of personality and charisma, with all due respect to Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel who also arrived in Maranello loaded with titles and a reputation of the highest order. So, I expect an electrifying adventure, renewed race after race, around which there will be universal interest.''

The Frenchman feels sorry for Carlos Sainz, who will lose his seat to Hamilton. ''I say: great that Lewis is coming, even if I am very sorry for Carlos Sainz, whose behaviour and performance in recent years have been more than positive, even surprising. Results, competitiveness and discipline. Strong and fair. A true gentleman of motorsport who at this point finds himself in an uncomfortable and undeserved situation. Although I am convinced he will find other new opportunities, given his talents and the prestige he has accumulated by racing alongside Leclerc.''

'Schumacher would not accept Hamilton'

Alesi adds that Schumacher would never have accepted a driver like Hamilton at his side. ''However, I can think of one last consideration to add almost as a punchline: Michael Schumacher, as I know him, as he thought and acted, Lewis Hamilton, in his team, alongside him, he would never have wanted him.''