Lewis Hamilton eliminated in Baku qualifying in Q2. Photo: RacePictures

Schumacher: Ferrari's internal chaos surfaces, Hamilton must leave

21:00, 24 Sep

Updated: 05:02, 25 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Ralf Schumacher senses turmoil in Ferrari's collaboration with Lewis Hamilton and suggests that if trust no longer exists between both sides then they should part ways at the end of the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri walk through the F1 paddock in Baku. Photo: Race Pictures

If mistrust arises, then it's better not to do it and go our separate ways at the end of the year.

- Ralf Schumacher

The former F1 driver senses that the relationship between Ferrari and Hamilton are not in the right place, and puts it forward to the Scuderia to do the work required, otherwise the team risks tearing itself open.

"The way we deal with each other is not good," Schumacher said on Sky Germany's Boxxengasse Bacstage podcast.

"Then Lewis' criticism of the team... I am critical of the combination. In addition, this non-swapping with Leclerc before the finish line.

"Ferrari has to do its job internally, otherwise you pick yourself apart from the inside out."

For Schumacher the road ahead at Ferrari is clear: forward. The team should address the Baku incident openly, the German opines.

"A thunderstorm cleans the air, that's part of it now. We just have to talk openly with each other. The limits and expectations must be set."

But if there's no longer trust between Ferrari and Hamilton, Schumacher believes that then it is better to part ways.

"If Lewis no longer has confidence in the team and vice versa, then that would be a shame.

"Because if mistrust arises, then it's better not to do it and go our separate ways at the end of the year."

Hamilton and Ferrari can't seem to find their way in F1 2025

Schumacher also criticised Hamilton for his lack of authority within the team, aiming at Hamilton's criticism of Ferrari over giving him the wrong tyres. The German believes that a seven-time world champion should be more assertive.

The British Ferrari driver is currently facing a tough period in his career. Following the race in Baku he said:

“A bit disappointing result at the end of the day. I did go forward. My pace was generally good. I was flat out, I was definitely much better, much happier in the car.”

“It was difficult today to close up on what cars are headed very fast. Clearly, qualifying is very important, and we missed out on that.

"Williams, they qualified and finished there. But there are lots of positives to take from it, and definitely. It's a lot to draw from the weekend, which I'll try and take to the next one.”

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