While compiling his personal tier list on the Red Flags podcast, former Haas team principal placed the seven-time world champion in the same bracket as drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Oliver Bearman, Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg — a clear reflection, in his view, of a below-par season.

Asked what he expects from his 2026 season, Steiner added: “I think if the car is good, he’ll find his motivation again. If the car isn’t good, I think that will be the end of the year, that will be the end of the season.”

Ferrari’s radio exchanges between the pit wall and Lewis Hamilton became a recurring talking point, as a lack of chemistry with race engineer Riccardo Adami often spilled onto the airwaves, leaving the Briton visibly frustrated during key moments.

Ahead of the 2026 season, Ferrari’s first significant call on Hamilton’s side of the garage has already been viewed as a misstep by Ralf Schumacher, who believes it highlights further challenges facing the seven-time world champion as he prepares for the new campaign.

He even suggested, half-jokingly, that the pair might benefit from spending time together away from the track to build rapport before the new era begins.