Schumacher suggests Hamilton and Ferrari should go their 'separate ways' if they can't fix one problem

The partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari has left a lot to be desired since his switch from Mercedes ahead of the current F1 season, with Ralf Schumacher suggesting that the two icons of the sport go their ‘separate ways’ if one thing continues to develop.

Ferrari were leapfrogged by Mercedes in the constructors’ championship at the drop of the chequered flag in Baku.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s respective eighth and ninth-place finishes proved to be inferior to the Silver Arrows’ results of second for George Russell and fourth for Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

After starting the weekend off on the right foot in Friday’s practice sessions, Hamilton ‘struggled’ in racing conditions on the streets of Baku, with the rear of his SF-25 being the root of his issues.

A failed position swap between Hamilton and Leclerc at the chequered flag showed a clear lack of synergy between the two Scuderia drivers that has been prevalent throughout the current term.

READ MORE: Jamie Chadwick finds a ‘silver lining’ for Lewis Hamilton after underwhelming Baku F1 weekend

Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton should leave Ferrari if mistrust develops within the team

Hamilton’s woes with the team have also been prevalent in 2025. The seven-time world champion often enters race weekends with an optimistic attitude, which ends up in disappointment at the conclusion of Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Speaking on a post-Baku podcast for Sky Sport Formel 1, former F1 driver turned pundit, Ralf Schumacher, voiced his opinion on the dynamic between Hamilton and his current employers, suggesting a dramatic end to their highly anticipated partnership after just one season together.

“The way they treat each other isn’t good. Then there’s Lewis’s criticism of the team. I’m sceptical of the combination,” Schumacher told viewers. “And then there’s this failure to swap back with Leclerc before the finish line.

“Ferrari has to do its work internally, otherwise it’ll tear itself apart from within. A thunderstorm clears the air; that’s a thing of the past. We simply need to talk openly with each other. The limits and expectations need to be defined.

“If Lewis no longer has trust in the team, and vice versa, that would be a great shame. Because if mistrust develops, then it’s better to let it go and go our separate ways at the end of the year.”

Schumacher has been critical of Hamilton during his maiden season with the Prancing Horse. The former driver is aware of what the seven-time world champion is capable of, and he just hasn’t displayed it at the wheel of the SF-25.

READ MORE: Charles Leclerc shares what ‘magic’ Lewis Hamilton has now brought to Ferrari from Mercedes

Ferrari’s focus on the 2026 F1 regulations has made Lewis Hamilton’s debut season ‘less exciting’

The 40-year-old arrived at Maranello at quite a crucial time in terms of the current state of Formula 1.

F1’s new 2026 regulations are imminent, and every team on the grid are currently hard at work, attempting to perfect their upcoming challenger in hopes of fighting for a title next year.

Ferrari’s early focus on the new regulations has severely hindered Hamilton’s debut season with the team.

His issues with the current SF-25 have been clear, but Ferrari have been unable to cater to every one of his issues due to their 2026 car taking priority in development.

The start of next season may be the full reset that Hamilton needs. With completely new machinery for every driver on the grid, including Leclerc, the British driver can see where he really stacks up against his Monegasque teammate on a more even playing field.