I said before the beginning of this year: Ferrari is not easy for him. As a teammate, Charles Leclerc is a strong driver, and the idea that a Hamilton rides for the title in the first year I was very daring from the start, if not impossible. After all, he had no tests and had to switch to another car. However, I did not expect that he was so sword over such a long period of time. You have to consider: he earns a lot of money there, has come with the expectation of being a top performer – and that has not worked at all.
What is the problem with him?
At least the speed is no longer the big problem, because Lewis was relatively close to the front in Zandvoort and also in Monza. Constance is the topic. And that he then turns twice in Zandvoort, shoots the car into the tires and also collects a penalty because he drives into the pit lane too quickly – with his experience it must not happen to him. As a team manager, I would rather understand less.
Is there an explanation for this?
I really hope these are lack of concentration. But if these things happen to him because he has to go over the limit by car, that would not be a good sign.
Hamilton has repeatedly expressed sharp self -criticism over the course of the season, already described himself as “useless” for the team.
With all his theatrics, I am already taking Lewis from being close to him. But if the driver gives up a bit in public, it is not exactly motivating for the team. It is not for nothing that Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur encouraged him to deal with the location a little more calmly.
When the 2026 season begins, Hamilton is 41 years old. You have already associated him with a resignation. Do you think he continues?
If you look at your statements, you can get the impression that he could actually stop when things go. I don’t think age plays a role in this, because in principle we are currently watching a phenomenon in Formula 1: the average age has increased significantly.
Hamilton is 40, Fernando Alonso even 44, Nico Hülkenberg 38, next year the 36-year-old Valtteri Bottas and 35-year-old Sergio Pérez will return, who then drive for Cadillac. How do you explain that?
In contrast to my active time, the result is managed much more today during a race. The fact that you are slower three, four, five, six seconds than in qualifying, we didn’t have at the time. This enables an experienced driver to keep up. Cadillac chose Bottas and Pérez because both have already won races, worked with top teams and break little or nothing.
This is important for a team that wants to quickly gain knowledge and information. The only question is whether both still have the speed. After all, the last years of the two were not particularly strong, friendly.
Her nephew Mick Schumacher also had hope for a cockpit at Cadillac at times. Nothing came of it. Does he make it back into the “premier class”?
He has been out of Formula 1 for a few years now, you can say: Time is running away. And one should not forget: some younger drivers are already pushing from Formula 2, for example Alex Dunne (19 years old, editor’s note) or Arvid Lindblad (18, note of the editor), both of whom have good chances to make it into Formula 1 promptly. It won’t be easier for Mick, you have to say that.
Can you understand Cadillac’s decision?
I think it’s a bit surprising because I would have rely on the combination of experience and youth. I am convinced that Mick would have given the team with the racing experience that he has from Formula 1 and his last appearances in the long-distance world championship. Of course you can say: A Nico Hülkenberg also got it back after a long break …
The current clean pilot was from 2020 to 2022 replacement drivers for various teams, was only used in four races-but was able to recommend a comeback.
Exactly. But statistically speaking, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Mick, you have to be honest. The longer it is, the less likely a return.
In 2015 there were three German drivers in Formula 1 (Rosberg, Vettel, Hülkenberg), plus two test drivers (Sutil, Wehrlein). Today Hülkenberg is the sole entertainer. What makes it so difficult for the young German racing youngsters?
This is relatively easy to explain: in Germany we currently have around 700 racing licenses for karting, the number is declining. In England, for example, there are 4,000. And especially in Italy there is karting, here in Germany it is more and more abolished, there is hardly any reasonable kart tracks, and also fewer and fewer racing series. It’s very simple: if I take football spots away, there will be fewer and fewer football players – and we currently have the problem in racing.
Working together is very important. For example, the ADAC Foundation Sport and Mercedes have just announced a cooperation. Mercedes will choose a driver and then support him internationally. After all, it is of no use if a German driver has to go to Italy to prepare because he finds better opportunities there. This is a very important project that goes in the right direction. It would be desirable that others also take an example.
For years, fans in Germany have been waiting for a Formula 1 return. Most recently there were positive signals from Hockenheim. How big do you see the chances that there will soon be a large price of Germany again?
As long as the state does not contribute financial resources – which it will re -record the resulting tourism around the race – this will not work.
The inaugural funds are now so high, the organizer has to provide an extensive security package with the police and fire brigade – Hockenheim will not be able to generate that many income. You don’t have to study mathematics to determine: that will not work. But I still have a hope.
If Mercedes and Audi take the decision to support there at some point, it could be something. I would like that.