Michael Schumacher theory rubbished as Lewis Hamilton set for Ferrari move

01 February 2024 , 17:23

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Michael Schumacher raced for Mercedes before Lewis Hamilton joined to replace him (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Ralf Schumacher has rubbished the notion that Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari simply to follow in the footsteps of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher believes rather than his sibling, the allure and history of Ferrari is more than enough to have piqued Hamilton's interest on its own. Michael joined the Italian manufacturer in 1996 and won five of his seven world championships with the team to cement a legacy for drivers to aspire to.

Hamilton is set to head to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 campaign and while representing Mercedes this season, will leave an unenviable task for Toto Wolff's team to find a replacement.

The British racer holds seven world championships of his own but at 39 is likely heading towards the end of his career. Schumacher believes that a stint at Ferrari could be the icing on the cake for the driver who made his debut in 2007.

He told Sky Sports: "I think Lewis, maybe it's his dream, I've not spoken to him. I don't think he's doing it because of Michael, I think Ferrari is one of the places to be in the history of Formula 1

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"Especially for a driver like Lewis who has achieved almost everything and was very unlucky not to be eight-time world champion to be honest. I think it is just the dot on the i to make it perfect."

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Hamilton will likely partner Charles LeClerc, who signed a contract extension with Ferrari a week ago. The 26-year-old signed a multi-season deal and finished second in the drivers' championship in 2022.

Schumacher believes it will not be a simple case of Hamilton arriving to be the No.1 driver. That must be earned.

He said: "First of all I think a very important, key factor is Fred Vasseur. He knows him for a long time and what he already did the team, he showed how calm and Ferrari is now more organised to the outside than what it was before. Less mistakes in pitstops and so on. That's good. I think at the end of the day number one it might be possible but you have to drive for that and be faster than your teammate."

Former Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver, Schumacher believes that Hamilton provides a good combination of qualities for Ferrari to find success.

He said: "I think Formula 1 has changed. Look at the drivers around. You need experience, you need sombody you can rely on, you need somebody that has a natural speed.

"With this combination, why not? There's not so many on the market like him being that experienced and fast and being able to surround a team around him to develop a car."

Scott Trotter