Hamilton mid-season AXE threat revealed in brutal Ferrari......

Hamilton mid-season AXE threat revealed in brutal Ferrari…….read more

Lewis Hamilton is facing the possibility of being sacked mid-season by Ferrari if he fails to deliver strong performances, according to a stark warning from former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher. The seven-time world champion is set to make his much-anticipated debut with the Scuderia in 2025, after a farewell tour with Mercedes. However, there is concern about how he will fare in his final season with Mercedes in 2024, which has been marred by ongoing issues with the W15 car.

The 39-year-old Hamilton has faced mounting frustration throughout 2024 due to the car’s performance struggles, which have often left him visibly downbeat. Furthermore, his one-lap pace has been a point of criticism, with his teammate, George Russell, outqualifying him on 19 occasions. Even Hamilton himself has expressed doubts about his speed, particularly during the Qatar Grand Prix, adding to the pressure he faces heading into his final year with Mercedes.

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in 2025 will place him alongside one of F1’s fastest and most talented drivers, Charles Leclerc. The pairing is expected to be a tough challenge for Hamilton, as Leclerc’s pace over a single lap is a significant strength. Despite Hamilton’s impressive resilience, particularly his ability to stage a strong fightback in Abu Dhabi in previous seasons, many remain skeptical about his ability to succeed at Ferrari.

Ralf Schumacher, speaking to Sport1, highlighted the high expectations and intense pressure that Ferrari drivers are under. He warned that if Hamilton fails to perform at Ferrari, he could find himself out of the team as early as mid-season. “The expectations are high, as are the emotions. People won’t be patient for more than six months if things don’t go well,” Schumacher said, emphasizing that Ferrari’s tolerance for underperformance is minimal. He pointed out that even during Michael Schumacher’s era, the Scuderia was quick to contemplate sacking key figures like Jean Todt when success seemed distant. However, Michael Schumacher himself prevented such moves, leading to eventual success.

Schumacher expressed doubts about Hamilton’s ability to thrive under this intense pressure, citing that the situation at Ferrari may be more unforgiving than what Hamilton has experienced at Mercedes. He acknowledged that if the car is well-suited to Hamilton’s driving style, he could still perform well, but his overall prognosis remains uncertain. Schumacher’s comments reflect the high stakes surrounding Hamilton’s future at Ferrari, with the team’s legendary history of demanding results quickly.

Hamilton’s future at Ferrari could hinge on his ability to adapt quickly to the car and deliver results from the outset of the 2025 season. While the prospect of a successful partnership with Ferrari remains possible, the intense scrutiny surrounding his performance means that nothing can be taken for granted.