Ferrari urged to drop Lewis Hamilton as driver replacement named

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested Ferrari should look to replace Lewis Hamilton and field junior driver Oliver Bearman in his place.

Hamilton joined Ferrari this year after a highly successful stint at Mercedes but has endured a challenging year, and is yet to claim a podium finish.

The Italian squad's difficult campaign was further dented earlier this week when chairman John Elkann told the drivers to "talk less" and "focus" on driving.

Hamilton has largely been outperformed by team-mate Charles Leclerc this season, as Schumacher asserted the seven-time champion's results do not justify his cost.

"Besides the fact that he makes a lot of mistakes, his speed is just okay, but not better,” Schumacher told the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

“And then I see a young Bearman working wonders with the Haas. He costs only a fraction of what Hamilton earns. 

“I don't know exactly how much, but people are talking high double digits, well over 60 million a year.

“I believe Elkann can no longer justify that. It was his decision to go beyond the contract that was in place.”

Bearman has been part of the Ferrari junior academy for several years and is enjoying a strong rookie season at Haas.

In Mexico last month, he scored a career-best fourth place and followed it up with another strong drive to sixth place last time out in Brazil.

“I wonder if Ferrari is saying, 'this has been like this for a year now, Hamilton has basically stood still',” Schumacher added.

“He did get a little closer, but we'd rather spend the money differently'.

"We'd rather bring in Bearman: a young, fresh driver who drives the brand forward and who we can build something with toward the regulations of the future. 

“That could happen, of course. I'm curious, it's exciting.”