Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has delivered a sharp critique of Lewis Hamilton's struggles at Ferrari, suggesting the seven-time champion's difficulties stem from mental challenges rather than age, particularly his reported reluctance to embrace simulator work and modern setup practices.

In an interview with Sport1, Schumacher controversially urged Hamilton and his race engineer Riccardo Adami to "go on vacation together," citing poor chemistry as a "huge disadvantage" for the 40-year-old driver. The comments come as Italian publication Auto Racer reports Ferrari has decided to keep Adami as Hamilton's engineer for 2026 despite their tumultuous first season, following what was described as a "very positive" dinner between the pair.

A Disastrous Debut Season

Hamilton endured his worst Formula 1 campaign in 19 years during 2025, finishing sixth in the drivers' championship without a single podium finish—the first time he's failed to reach the podium across an entire season. He finished 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured seven podiums for the Scuderia.

"Behind the scenes, you hear that he doesn't like simulators," Schumacher told Sport1. "He's still looking for that old driving feel. That tells me it's not just age, but also a mental issue. He's no longer willing to open up".

Set Up Philosophy Under Fire

Schumacher questioned whether Hamilton can adapt to Ferrari's 2026 car, which is expected to be more "nervous" and less stable at the rear—characteristics that favour Leclerc's driving style. "The car will be more nervous. Leclerc can handle that. Hamilton needs stability at the rear," the Sky Germany expert explained.

The former driver pointed to Hamilton's long-standing approach to car setup, noting: "He was never one to tinker with the setup, that was already evident in his Formula 3 days". At Mercedes, team principal Toto Wolff famously said "the drivers drive, the team does the setup"—a philosophy Schumacher believes Hamilton cannot change overnight.

Perhaps most pointedly, Schumacher criticised Hamilton's public demeanour during the difficult season: "I expect more from someone of his status" regarding "this back-and-forth, this resignation". With 2026 marking the final year of Hamilton's Ferrari contract and radical regulation changes looming, the coming season will prove whether the British driver can reverse his fortunes in Maranello.