Schumacher addresses 'very unrealistic' title chance Hamilton has
F1 News
- Kimberley Hoefnagel
Ralf Schumacher thinks it is unrealistic to think that Lewis Hamilton will become world champion at Ferrari this year. Schumacher argues that Charles Leclerc has the better chance because he is already fully accustomed at Ferrari, while Hamilton is just joining the Italian team.
"If anyone is going to make it in the Ferrari, I somehow feel it will be Charles Leclerc," Schumacher told German news agency DPA. The former Formula 1 driver does not doubt Hamilton's ability so much, but the former F1 driver stresses that the fact that he has just switched teams will not work in Hamilton's favour.
Schumacher explains: "When you join a new team, it takes at least six to eight months before you can use the whole environment perfectly for yourself and prove yourself in that environment, no matter what you do and how quickly you get comfortable. At least that was my experience," Schumacher continued, competing in Formula 1 between 1997 and 2007, winning a total of six races with Williams.
Hamilton's eighth world title realistic?
Hamilton fell just short of the world title in his debut year in Formula 1, but since then, he has since gone on to win seven world championships. He came close to his eighth title in 2021, but that eventually went to Max Verstappen after the finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
So, on paper, Hamilton has already more than proved that he is capable of winning championships if he has the right car. But even if he had a championship-worthy car, Schumacher said it is "very unrealistic" to think Hamilton will become world champion with Ferrari this season.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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