Lewis Hamilton receives scathing 'sit by and do nothing' criticism

Ralf Schumacher has claimed Lewis Hamilton has "had a tendency to sit by and do nothing" in F1 this season, as the British driver has endured an unexpectedly underwhelming start to life at Ferrari.

The seven-time F1 drivers' champion joined the Scuderia to much anticipation. The hope was that he could help the Italian team build on its momentum from the 2024 campaign and deliver a first constructors' title to Maranello since 2008.

However, Hamilton has thus far failed to live up to the lofty expectations, and Ferrari has underperformed, with the SF-25 plagued by ride height issues and its drivers often needing to lift and coast during races.

With three rounds remaining, the team has slumped to fourth in the constructors' standings, having held the runner-up spot for much of the year.

Charles Leclerc, with seven podium finishes to his name, has been a bright spot. But that has only increased the pressure on his team-mate, who has yet to visit the rostrum in red.

The 40-year-old now owns the record for most grands prix to start their Ferrari tenure without a podium, taking the unwanted mantle from Didier Pironi, who had held the unfortunate honour since the early 1980s.

Following the disappointing São Paulo Grand Prix, which saw the Prancing Horse leave Interlagos with a double DNF and just six points, all from the sprint the day prior, Ferrari chairman John Elkann outed his drivers in the press, calling on them to "talk less" and focus on their on-track duties.

Reflecting on the increasingly fraught situation at Ferrari, Schumacher told Sky Sports Germany: "With Lewis Hamilton, it's pretty clear, that's the most expensive personnel decision made at Ferrari in recent years.

"But the performance is not good, and I think that statement was also directed as a warning to Hamilton."

The six-time grand prix winner then levied an unfounded accusation at the feet of Hamilton, claiming he has rested on his laurels and not put in the required effort, despite the Ferrari driver having prepared documents on multiple occasions addressing areas he feels the team can improve.

"After all, he's had a tendency to sit by and do nothing this year," the former Jordan, Williams and Toyota driver stated.

"But he's just not good enough. I believe Ferrari expected more from it, and so did John Elkann. The name did boost the shares, but unfortunately, the results did not."