Ralf Schumacher has called on Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso to retire at the end of the 2026 season, saying both veterans should make way for younger drivers after long and successful careers in Formula 1.
The six-time grand prix winner made his comments on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, specifically pointing to Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman as deserving of a top seat. Both Hamilton and Alonso, who form the grid’s 40-plus contingent, have shown no indication they plan to step away.
Schumacher Sees No Path for Hamilton Against Leclerc
Hamilton secured his first Ferrari podium at the Chinese Grand Prix after a difficult first season with the Scuderia in 2025. The seven-time champion has returned in better form for 2026, but Schumacher believes his teammate Charles Leclerc will dominate over the full season.
Hamilton is in a better position again this year. But over the course of the season, he won’t stand a chance against Leclerc. It’s time – and I have to say the same about Fernando Alonso: Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it’s time for both of them to vacate their cockpits at the end of the year and give young people a chance.
Schumacher singled out Bearman as the driver who should replace Hamilton at Ferrari. The British driver impressed during his rookie season with Haas and has carried that form into 2026, scoring 17 points across the opening four rounds.
“And I also believe that, if he gets the chance, he’ll even pose a challenge to Charles Leclerc,” Schumacher said. “I’m pretty sure of that. So I’d say he’s actually better.”
Coulthard Questions Alonso’s Peak Speed
Thirteen-time race winner David Coulthard recently suggested that Alonso, who turns 45 this summer, has lost some of the raw speed that defined his prime years. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard framed the comment around a broader discussion of championship leader Kimi Antonelli’s talent.
We know that Max [Verstappen] has it. We know that Lewis has it. Fernando, of course, hasn’t had the chance for a long time, but he had it, let’s say. We’ve got to assume, with the passing of time, he isn’t just as fast as he was. But he still is hungry. There’s no question about it.
Coulthard’s assessment stops short of calling for retirement, but acknowledges the natural decline that comes with age at the highest level of motorsport.
Both Drivers Push Back
Hamilton responded to critics after his podium in China, saying he continues to face negativity from individuals who never achieved comparable success in the sport. He believes he demonstrated he can still compete at the front of the grid.
Alonso, meanwhile, addressed retirement speculation at last month’s Monaco Historic Grand Prix. The two-time champion made clear he has no immediate plans to leave.
The time will tell. I will feel it. At the moment, I don’t feel it is that time yet. I feel competitive, I feel motivated, I feel happy when I drive. So, yeah, hopefully not the last season.
Alonso’s Aston Martin has struggled for consistent pace in 2026, but the Spaniard insists he remains hungry and competitive. Hamilton, now partnered with Leclerc at Ferrari, faces the challenge of proving he can match a driver 13 years his junior over a full campaign. The next major test comes at the Monaco Grand Prix on 25 May, where both veterans will look to silence doubters.