After a twelve-year spell at Mercedes that delivered six of his seven world titles, Lewis Hamilton arrived at Ferrari for the 2025 season. 2026 has already produced a win at the Barcelona Catalunya Grand Prix, lifting him to fourth in the drivers’ championship with three races still to run. Yet, intra-team friction with teammate Charles Leclerc has sharpened scrutiny of whether the British seven-time champion can truly steer the Maranello outfit back to the top.
Steiner’s skepticism about Hamilton’s impact
During a recent episode of the Red Flags Podcast, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner asked the obvious question: is Hamilton the catalyst Ferrari needs? He reminded listeners that the most successful eras in Scuderia history coincided with dominant drivers who also exercised strong leadership, citing Michael Schumacher as a prime example. By contrast, Steiner noted that Fernando Alonso tried a similar approach without delivering lasting success, prompting him to wonder whether Hamilton can fill the same role.
Why Max Verstappen might be a better fit, according to Steiner
When pressed about alternatives, Steiner highlighted the relentless nature of Max Verstappen, saying, “You know how Max is. He wouldn’t stop. He’s relentless. That could be the solution.” Co-host Brian Muller added that, while Verstappen is unlikely to switch teams soon, the principle remains: a driver with proven dominance and an unyielding attitude could provide the missing spark Ferrari craves. Steiner’s comments suggest that mere talent may not be enough; the ability to lead from the front and impose a winning culture is what he believes Ferrari currently lacks.
Ralf Schumacher’s criticism of Hamilton’s leadership
Adding another layer to the debate, former driver Ralf Schumacher expressed on Sky Sports Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse that Hamilton “never learned how to lead a team, not under Toto Wolff and not under Ron Dennis.” He argued that Hamilton’s role was confined to extracting raw speed rather than shaping team dynamics, a shortfall he claims has left Hamilton “quite egotistical.” This perspective underscores a broader conversation within Formula 1 about the distinction between a fast driver and a driver who can drive a team’s strategic direction.
Current championship landscape
As the 2026 season approaches its final three rounds, the championship battle remains tight. While Hamilton’s singular win in Barcelona showcases his enduring speed, the gap to title-contending rivals is still significant. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen continues to dominate with Red Bull Racing, reinforcing Steiner’s point about relentless performance. The unfolding story raises a fundamental question for Ferrari: should the team double down on the proven pace of Hamilton, or re-evaluate its driver hierarchy in search of a more commanding presence?
Regardless of the path chosen, the next few Grand Prix events will reveal whether Ferrari can convert Hamilton’s flashes of brilliance into consistent podium finishes, or whether a paradigm shift—potentially inspired by Verstappen’s approach—is inevitable.
