Charles Leclerc has been told to avoid being "fooled" by the situation at Ferrari, with Ralf Schumacher imploring the Monegasque driver to have a "plan B" ready.
The Italian team has endured an underwhelming season in F1. Its relative underachievement has been more pronounced due to the strong way in which the Maranello-based squad ended the previous campaign.
After finishing a close runner-up to McLaren in 2024, the Scuderia has failed to capitalise on its momentum, slumping to fourth in the fight for second place, having already failed to challenge for the constructors' championship.
The current mood at the team is in stark contrast to the hope and expectation that saw in the year, with Lewis Hamilton joining from Mercedes and anticipation of a first F1 title for the Prancing Horse since 2008.
It has thus far culminated in Ferrari chairman John Elkann taking aim at his drivers in the press, criticising them for talking too much amid the team's disappointing form.
With Scuderia careering towards a winless season, Schumacher feels Leclerc, who has performed well and collected seven podium finishes, should be questioning things internally.
"If I were Leclerc, I would start to wonder by now what the point of all this is," the 50-year-old told Sky Sports Germany.
"I think he is doing an excellent job and getting the best out of himself, but also out of the team.
"Moreover, he is also a likeable guy, who fits perfectly at Ferrari. He is a family man, and he is getting married soon."
Leaning on his own experience from racing in F1, Schumacher advised Leclerc to have backup options ready in case the situation does not turn around.
The former Jordan, Williams, and Toyota driver encouraged the eight-time grand prix winner not to let himself "be fooled" by Ferrari.
"By now, I would send my manager out to ask what this is all about," Schumacher explained.
"I always had a plan B ready and discussed with my manager in situations like this, and I would still advise Leclerc to do the same. I wouldn't let myself be fooled."
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