Schumacher says Hamilton never learned to lead a team

Ralf Schumacher has challenged Damon Hill's suggestion that Ferrari should make Lewis Hamilton its clear number 1 driver for 2027. Hill argued the team must end tensions with Charles Leclerc by backing Hamilton fully, saying there are factions within the squad and that Hamilton deserves a chance to fight for an eighth title.

Schumacher disagreed, saying Hamilton has never had to lead a team, neither under Toto Wolff nor Ron Dennis, as his job was simply to drive as fast as possible. He described Hamilton as quite egotistical and contrasted him with Max Verstappen, who takes a greater interest in the technical side of his car.

Schumacher also questioned whether a future Verstappen move to Mercedes would work, suggesting both he and Wolff would want significant influence. He said Ferrari is used to drivers making demands, a culture he linked to Michael Schumacher.