Lewis Hamilton's struggles at Ferrari have prompted former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher to suggest the seven-time world champion could retire early if his difficulties persist.
The British racing legend has failed to gel with the SF-25 car since his high-profile move from Mercedes.
Schumacher believes Hamilton's inability to adapt could lead to him walking away from the sport entirely before his contract expires in 2026.
Speaking to Sky Germany's podcast, Schumacher said: "He just can't cope with the car. We talk a lot about Lando Norris [and his lack of belief], but it's almost worse with him."
Lewis Hamilton has been told he could retire imminently from F1
Reuters
The German drew parallels with his own career twilight, adding: "I know from my own experience: if it goes on like this, it's no fun anymore. Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: 'Why am I doing this to myself?'"
In stark contrast, British rookie Oliver Bearman has adapted impressively to Formula 1 with Haas.
The teenager has scored points in three consecutive races, finishing P8 in China followed by P10 in both Japan and Bahrain.
Heading into the Miami Grand Prix, Bearman leads teammate Esteban Ocon 3-2 in qualifying and is tied 3-3 in races.
This impressive adaptation comes despite Bearman having significantly less experience than the seven-time world champion.
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Schumacher explained why younger drivers like Bearman adapt more easily to challenging cars.
"A young driver is more used to that. They have a fixed car, so they're used to driving with what they have," he noted.
The German pointed out that Hamilton's preferred driving technique is "not possible" in the current generation of F1 cars.
"It's a question of driving style, and he just has to manage it now," Schumacher said of Hamilton's predicament.
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Lewis Hamilton has endured a difficult start to life at Ferrari, with the veteran yet to display his best form during the current F1 seasonREUTERSPerhaps most embarrassing for Hamilton is the direct comparison with Bearman's Ferrari debut last year.
The youngster was actually closer to Charles Leclerc's pace during his emergency stand-in appearance in Saudi Arabia than Hamilton has managed as a full-time driver.
Given Hamilton's vast experience advantage, this unflattering comparison has raised eyebrows throughout the paddock.
The 40-year-old appears increasingly dejected as he struggles to extract performance from the Ferrari.
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GETTYHamilton will be hoping to turn his fortunes around at this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, where excitement is building among fans.
Just twelve points separate championship leaders Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris heading into the American race.
The pressure will be mounting on Hamilton to deliver results that justify his high-profile Ferrari move.
Meanwhile, Bearman will aim to continue his impressive point-scoring streak as he builds his case for a future Ferrari seat.
