Ralf Schumacher Backs Lewis Hamilton to Challenge for Monaco Grand… read more 👇 full details in the comments section
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst believes is beginning to find his rhythm at Ferrari and could emerge as a serious contender for victory at the upcoming .
Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher highlighted what he sees as a significant turning point in Hamilton’s Ferrari journey. After a difficult and frustrating outing in Miami, the British driver responded impressively in Canada, delivering his strongest performance since joining the Scuderia and finishing in second place.
The result not only boosted Hamilton’s confidence but also brought him within touching distance of team-mate in the championship standings. According to Schumacher, the Canadian Grand Prix showed a completely different side of Hamilton compared to the struggles he experienced earlier in the season.
Schumacher explained that Hamilton’s fluctuating form is not unusual in Formula 1, where confidence and car setup can dramatically influence performance from one weekend to the next. He noted that Hamilton had looked uncomfortable and disconnected from the car in Miami, but in Canada everything appeared to fall into place. The seven-time champion seemed more at ease behind the wheel, displayed stronger pace throughout the weekend, and looked fully aligned with the characteristics of the Ferrari.
The former Williams and Toyota driver said Hamilton’s post-race reaction spoke volumes about what the podium finish meant to him. Although it was not a victory, the emotions on display reflected the relief of a driver who had finally enjoyed a trouble-free and competitive weekend. Schumacher suggested that Hamilton looked almost as delighted as if he had won the race, underlining how important the result was after the disappointment of Miami.
While Hamilton enjoyed a resurgence, the weekend proved far more difficult for Leclerc. Schumacher observed that the Monegasque driver never appeared fully comfortable and seemed to be carrying tension throughout the event. According to him, Leclerc struggled to establish a strong connection with the car and was unable to unlock the pace he normally displays.
Schumacher pointed out that changing conditions and setup challenges appeared to contribute to Leclerc’s difficulties. He felt the Ferrari driver spent much of the weekend searching for the right balance and eventually pushed too hard in an effort to compensate. The situation, he argued, mirrored Hamilton’s own struggles in Miami, demonstrating how quickly fortunes can change in Formula 1 depending on the circuit and circumstances.
Looking ahead to Monaco, Schumacher believes Ferrari has genuine reasons to be optimistic. The iconic street circuit places a premium on traction, precision, and the ability to handle bumps and curbs effectively—areas where he believes Ferrari’s current package performs particularly well.
Because of those characteristics, Schumacher sees Ferrari as one of the leading contenders heading into the weekend. He even suggested that Hamilton could be in a position to fight for another race victory if the positive momentum from Canada continues.
However, Schumacher was careful not to overlook the threat posed by . Despite Ferrari’s encouraging performance, he believes McLaren remains one of the strongest teams on the grid and could quickly reassert itself. In his view, the Woking-based outfit failed to maximise its potential in Canada due to several strategic and operational shortcomings.
As a result, Schumacher cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from the Canadian Grand Prix alone. He argued that it remains unclear whether Hamilton would have secured second place had both McLaren drivers extracted the maximum performance from their machinery throughout the weekend.
Even so, Schumacher remains confident that Ferrari will be a major force in Monaco. He emphasised that Hamilton has traditionally performed strongly around the narrow streets of Monte Carlo and appears increasingly comfortable with his new team. At the same time, Leclerc’s outstanding record at his home race means Ferrari could have two genuine contenders fighting at the front.
With both drivers eager to gain the upper hand, Schumacher expects an intriguing battle within Ferrari as the team targets what could be one of its best opportunities for victory this season.