Lewis Hamilton is among the many highest-paid drivers on the F1 grid.
Lewis Hamilton signed a profitable multi-year deal when he joined Ferrari (Picture: Getty)
Ralf Schumacher, the brother of Ferrari legend Michael, believes Lewis Hamilton could have the ability to dam workforce orders throughout Grand Prix weekends. The seven-time world champion is among the many highest-paid drivers on the grid, having signed a profitable multi-year deal earlier than the 2025 season. He endured a nightmare first season at Ferrari however has been trying extra like his former self in 2026.
Hamilton secured his first podium in crimson on the Chinese language Grand Prix, coming residence in third place. He has additionally loved an on-track rivalry with Charles Leclerc however was left annoyed in Japan as he couldn’t perceive the ability benefit his team-mate had down the straights. Their battles at Suzuka noticed them lose time to the frontrunners however Ferrari did not step in to place a cease to proceedings.
Talking on Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher mentioned: “I’m truly of the opinion – though I’ll clearly get a storm of criticism for this once more, however I don’t care – that though Lewis Hamilton is clearly again within the combine this 12 months, which I’m very completely satisfied about, he’ll even have contracts that enable him to do precisely that.
“I may think about that even when Fred [Vasseur] wished to, he wouldn’t be capable to say something, as a result of I imagine Lewis Hamilton can resolve for himself what he must do. He’ll get pleasure from a sure primary standing, I can nearly think about.
“That’s why Ferrari doesn’t stand an opportunity. He’ll resolve that on his personal. However in fact that causes a stir within the workforce. It stirs issues up a bit. So sure, it occurred a few times, however that’s simply how it’s.
“I imply, I’m saying now that, comparatively talking, it is best to deal with it a bit otherwise. I believe it’s right down to the contract state of affairs, and I additionally assume – and that is truly the principle downside – you mustn’t underestimate that form of factor.”
Ralf Schumacher suspects Hamilton could have a particular contract clause (Picture: Getty)
The existence of such a clause in Hamilton’s contract has by no means been confirmed, however Vasseur has already mentioned that he sees no downside with the 2 drivers combating for place.
Talking after the Japanese Grand Prix, the Ferrari workforce principal mentioned: “In overtake mode, it’s fairly straightforward to remain behind somebody.
“As soon as there’s a hole, you lose, and it is vitally troublesome to freeze the place there. However they’ve expertise, they’re professionals, and so they know what they’re doing. I’m not afraid of that.”
Vasseur additionally famous that Ferrari, together with a number of different groups, will convey main upgrades when the season resumes on the Miami Grand Prix.
“Please don’t misread my statements: everybody could have upgrades, everybody could have modified their automobile, all the pieces will change, it will likely be a brand new season,” he added.
“We didn’t convey all the pieces within the first few races, additionally due to the finances restrict. Any further, everybody will push. A very powerful factor is the groups’ capability to convey new upgrades.”
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