Hamilton retirement call renewed as Ferrari successor emerges

The 50-year-old, who has recently commented on Hamilton’s form, suggested that although the Briton appears to be in a stronger position this year, he still does not believe he will be able to outperform teammate Charles Leclerc over the course of the campaign. The former Williams driver added that he feels it may be time for Hamilton to step aside at the end of the season to make way for younger talent.

“Hamilton is in a better position again this year. But in the long run, he won't have a chance against Leclerc over the course of the year. It's time, and I have to say the same about Fernando Alonso: Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it's time for both of them to vacate their seats at the end of the year and give young people a chance,” explained Schumacher on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

“Hamilton has achieved everything he can possibly achieve; he is one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1. He deserves it, and what he's done again this year, this kind of comeback, is fantastic. But I believe everything has an end, except for sausages, which have two,” he added.

Schumacher went on to single out Oliver Bearman as his preferred candidate to replace Hamilton, suggesting the young Haas driver has the potential to thrive at Ferrari and even challenge Leclerc as a teammate.

Earlier, Hamilton explained that Ferrari needs to reduce drag to be more competitive against the front-running teams after the Miami Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion had a difficult weekend in Florida. After finishing seventh in the Sprint, he crossed the line in the same position in Sunday’s Grand Prix, but moved up a place after his teammate Leclerc received a 20-second time penalty.

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