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Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton Predicted to Retire After Ferrari Rumors Run Wild
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Formula 1 pundit Ralf Schumacher gave his say on Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton's future as speculation grows about the former champion. Hamilton had a rough race in Hungary, left with no answers on his struggles and no direction on where to improve. He qualified P12 and finished in the same spot during the race, despite his teammate Charles Leclerc securing pole position and fighting for a podium finish until his car had issues. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari waves on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 03, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari waves on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 03, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. Photo byHamilton has never achieved a podium finish or win in a grand prix while driving for Ferrari, and he has been outclassed compared to his Leclerc. All of this disappointment from the British driver comes after much anticipation over his move from Mercedes to the Scuderia. Due to his issues adjusting to life at Maranello, rumors of a potential move back to the Brackley outfit started to circulate. Schumacher, on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, shut down speculation of a move of that nature happening. "Lewis is 40 and has certain expectations. First, the financial expectations are high. And second - how long can he still do this? How long will he want to? I think his level is still good, but whether it's as good as it used to be - nobody really knows," Schumacher said on the podcast. "I would bet on the future. I'd be hated for this, but if I were a team boss, I'd go for a young driver with potential. "Someone you can shape, someone adaptable. Because I know from my own experience, the older you get, the more set in your ways you become. "And for a racing driver, that means needing a specific car setup to be fast. You're less flexible, less able to adapt to what you've got. Then you start fiddling with settings... and that point comes for every driver. The only question is: How far along is Lewis already?" Lewis Hamilton Retirement Rumors Continue Hamilton appeared downtrodden at the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, slumping his shoulders and even suggesting that Ferrari should swap him with another driver. He later hinted at things happening in the background at Ferrari, fueling the rumors about the seven-time World Champion walking away from the sport. Schumacher believes there is merit to the rumors if Hamilton's situation is analyzed. "Lewis is a very wealthy man. He might just say, 'Alright, I'll do something else. I'll just make films now. That's going well too - he's involved in that new F1 movie. 'Why should I keep putting myself through this?' And that's a process that, at 40, is not far-fetched," Schumacher said. "You don't have to spend your life driving in circles. So, yes - based on his statements, I could absolutely see him doing that. "You know we've covered that only three months ago, when everybody was criticising us - me especially - why I think Lewis could retire. But now he is talking about that himself. Something has happened." For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Unlikely to Rebound After Horner Exit, According to Schumacher
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Red Bull's competitiveness will be under the scanner when Formula One returns next weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix, given the sudden ousting of former team principal Christian Horner. Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher believes Red Bull will be unable to add significant performance to its car, especially in 2026, which could push Max Verstappen to Mercedes. Red Bull hasn't had a great start to the 2025 season. The campaign began with Verstappen struggling with his RB21 F1 car, which followed speculation about his potential switch to Mercedes. Following the British Grand Prix, Red Bull decided to part ways with Horner, adding to the team's uncertain future, especially considering that F1 enters a new era of regulations next year. Horner has been replaced by former Racing Bulls team principal, Laurent Mekies. Related: Red Bull to Part Ways With Yuki Tsunoda After 2025 Season: Report Red Bull has been developing the power units for the 2026 car for the first time, collaborating with automotive giant Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. But with the team struggling to solve issues on the current car, Schumacher doubts Red Bull's 2026 car, designed by technical director Pierre Waché, will match the performance of the cars designed by former Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey, who moved to Aston Martin this year. Revealing that Horner's exit won't change the technical side of things at Red Bull for the short-term future, Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 05, 2025 in Northampton, England. More"The change of team principal will not change anything in the technical team for the time being. Designer Pierre Waché will continue to build the car next year. "It almost looks as if he will not be able to close this gap, replace Adrian Newey in any way and build a car capable of winning. Red Bull will therefore face a difficult time." Mercedes driver George Russell admitted recently that his contract extension discussions were on hold due to the team's ongoing talks with Verstappen. Team principal Toto Wolff also acknowledged the discussions, but stressed that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will likely form the 2026 driver lineup. Despite the assurance, rumors surrounding Verstappen and Mercedes continue to do the rounds after Horner's exit. Schumacher added that the four-time world champion will have to consider a Mercedes switch if he intends to find performance next year. He said: "Verstappen is in a dilemma. The signs are not good for Red Bull at the moment. If Max Verstappen wants to have short-term success next year, he will have to look elsewhere. "I therefore believe that the journey is heading towards Mercedes. I could imagine that he himself is still struggling because he is naturally attached to Red Bull."
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Schumacher tells Hamilton he 'should have apologised' over Ferrari controversy
Ralf Schumacher has hit out at Lewis Hamilton for his comments on the radio during the Miami Grand Prix, insisting that the Mercedes driver should have apologised Ralf Schumacher has claimed that Lewis Hamilton should have said sorry to Ferrari for his radio remarks at the Miami Grand Prix. The seven-time champion was annoyed after team orders to swap positions with Charles Leclerc. Chasing sixth place and stuck behind team-mate Leclerc, Hamilton's tyres were overheating, leading to his impatient outburst over team radio. Although Ferrari eventually acquiesced, Hamilton still couldn't contain his frustration. To the message advising him of the imminent switch, he retorted: "Ah, have a tea break while you're at it! Come on!" Later, after Leclerc had regained the position and when told about Carlos Sainz closing in, Hamilton sarcastically replied: "You want me to let him pass as well?" Hamilton later passed off his radio comments as nothing of any significance. Reflecting on the exchange, he said: " Fred [Vasseur, team principal] came to my room. "I just put my hand on his shoulder and was like, 'Dude, calm down, don't be so sensitive'. "I could have said way worse things on the radio. You hear some of the things others have said in the past... Some of it was sarcasm. "Look, you've got to understand we're under a huge amount of pressure within the car. You're never going to get the most peaceful messages coming through in the heat of the battle. And yeah, it was fine. We said we'll take it." However, former Williams and Toyota driver Schumacher remains unconvinced by this explanation, reports the Express. Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, he said: "Hamilton, that was somehow off the mark. "If you really want to get past, that's one thing; he was faster at the time. But then give it back without a fight." Schumacher added that a more gracious approach would have suited Hamilton better, given his experience and age. He added: "And afterwards, I don't pretend that I meant it sarcastically. Instead, I just say that I'm sorry. That shouldn't really happen with his experience and his age. He could have acted a bit more cleverly. I think that would have suited him better. "Of course, the relationship [with Ferrari] is tarnished by such actions. That will stick, and he has to know that himself. There is now a need for clarification, and it will definitely be discussed – especially internally, how to deal with it in the future."
News.com.au
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Jack Doohan crashes out in Miami, heaps pressure on Aussie's spot on grid
Jack Doohan's tough start to his Formula One career has continued after the Australian crashed out of the Miami Grand Prix on the opening lap. Oscar Piastri won in Miami on Monday morning (AEST), becoming the first McLaren driver since 1998 to win three races in a row as he held off teammate Lando Norris to extend his lead in the championship. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™, LIVE in 4K with no ad-breaks during racing. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. But it wasn't such good news for Doohan, who started 14th on the grid but came unstuck at Turn 1 when he made contact with Liam Lawson in an incident that ultimately ended both their races early. 'That's wretched luck for Jack Doohan, who outqualified his teammate Pierre Gasly for the first time,' Sky Sports commentator David Croft said. Doohan's front left tyre went straight off the rim and he was forced out of the race with a tyre puncture. Martin Brundle said on Sky Sports it 'wrecked both their races'. Lawson was fuming, telling Racing Bulls team radio: 'I got completely hit mate, I got no idea what the Alpine was doing.' The incident continued Doohan's turbulent start to his F1 career at Alpine — his results from the six races so far are: DNF, 15th, 15th, 14th, 17th, DNF. Doohan crashed out in Australia and suffered a huge crash in practice in Japan last month, which was due to Doohan having the DRS flap on his rear wing open and taking too much speed into the corner. The son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan has shown glimpses of strong pace but his spot on the grid will come under scrutiny if he continues to be involved in crashes and rack up DNFs. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Doohan's seat is safe for 2025 despite the pressure of Alpine's highly touted reserve driver Franco Colpainto waiting in the wings. 'That's why it's maybe a bit harsh and unfair, but I would say that in relation to the other rookies, you can see that he's someone who might not necessarily be competing for the world championship at some point, so to speak,' Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. 'And if the money doesn't come in from Colapinto, then I don't think he will be exchanged for the time being, because I hear Doohan also has a sponsor worth $17.7m AUD in the bag, and that has to be paid out somehow. 'I can imagine that he will survive somehow, but Flavio (Briatore, Alpine Executive advisor) is always good for a surprise.' Doohan's crash in Miami came after the 22-year-old hit out at Alpine after a pit lane blunder saw him eliminated in the opening qualifying session. Doohan and Yuki Tsunoda were both blocked in their attempts to get back on the track for a final flying lap in the session. They were unable to get out of pit lane before the session ended. Doohan was furious with his Alpine team's failure to get him back on the Miami street circuit — and gave them a piece of his mind over the team's radio. Replays on Sky Sports showed a communication error put Doohan behind teammate Pierre Gasly in the pecking order in a move that ultimately resulted in members of the Alpine crew needing to physically push the car backwards to make the turn out of the garage. The delay saw other cars move ahead of him in the queue and he was never given an opportunity to complete his final flying lap. To say he was angry is an understatement. 'That's not acceptable,' he fumed over team radio. 'If you're going to send him [Gasly] before me, you have to make sure he's ready. 'I can't turn out and have to turn in because he's going to turn into me. 'Then you put me out in Q1. That's a joke.'
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Sebastian Vettel handed unusual F1 ban as he responds to talk of Red Bull return
Sebastian Vettel has been banned from returning to Formula 1 as a driver. But it is not the FIA who has barred the four-time champion from gracing the race track again - instead, Vettel has to answer to people far closer to home. In fact, it is the German racing legend's children who have told him in no uncertain terms that he cannot go back to his jet-setting life in F1. Part of the reason behind his retirement decision in 2022 was because of the stresses placed on family life by commitment to a full F1 race calendar. And now things have become even more intense. F1 now holds 24 events per year across the globe with six of them featuring Sprint races, placing greater strain than ever on those who have to travel for each of them. It is tough for their families, too, who rarely get to see a driver for most of the year. And that is why, Vettel has said, his three children have told him that they don't want him to make the return to the sport that so many F1 fans would love to see. "My children have indicated that I am not allowed to drive anymore," he told Sky Germany. "They really like me being there, and of course that's great to hear. "I've managed to find a rhythm outside of F1, well, and I have managed to keep the sweet peace in the family! I've gotten used to my new life." While a racing return seems to be off the cards, there are other roles in F1 that might suit Vettel which would not require so much travelling. One of them would be back at his old Red Bull team, after adviser Helmut Marko said he would be the ideal candidate to take over from him when he retires. Vettel has plenty of experience and younger drivers coming through Red Bull's academy would certainly benefit from his advice and wisdom. In that same interview, when pressed on Marko's words, he was coy on the subject as he replied: "Those are big questions to which there are no quick answers." But he was more forthcoming in an appearance on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast and did not rule out the possibility of an F1 role in the future. Vettel said: "There is only one Helmut and the role is quite clear. But yes, I think that in general, the exchange was very inspiring and of course, the experiences that I have and Helmut has are similar in a certain way. "He also grew up in motorsport, albeit at a completely different time, but the wheel still turns the same in a certain way, and the same things matter today as they did however many years ago, even if Formula 1 has changed significantly. I do think that there are many things and perspectives or parallels that could be passed on. "Whether that's something for the future, we'll see. I'm still in contact with him, I asked him how much longer he wanted to do it a few years ago, and he said not that much longer, and he's still doing it. So, as long as he still enjoys it and feels up to the job... It will be a shame if he leaves at some point, but of course the team then has to develop in a new, different direction."
