The start to 2022 has been far from smooth for Lewis Hamilton. The Briton has struggled in almost every race and this weekend in Imola was another disaster. His start to the season hit an all-time low as he picked up no points over the entire weekend.
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In light of this, Ralf Schumacher questioned Hamilton’s performances. He even went on to compare him to his teammate, George Russell.
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George Russell outperforming Hamilton in the same W13
Lewis Hamilton has had some bad performances in recent times. However, this week in Imola he consistently found himself around the P13 mark. This has raised some questions about his driving. Ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher lead the inquisition. He said, “Of course, we also have to talk about Lewis Hamilton. He has to wonder why George Russell is so much faster than him.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 10: George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes pose for a photo during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 10, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Ralf added, “A 13th place is of course not what Hamilton is aiming for. He has to admit that Russell is the better driver right now.” Russell went on to finish P4 in the main race and miles ahead of teammate Hamilton, who couldn’t even finish in points.
He also spoke about how this could shift the dynamic at Mercedes. “If things continue like this over the next few weeks, things will also get exciting in the team. There may be changes in the ranking,” as he speculated if a power shift is incoming at Mercedes.
Is Lewis Hamilton getting too old to keep up?
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Amid all this, Ralf Schumacher went on to admit the veteran still has a lot of fight left in him and said, “But I am far from saying that Hamilton missed the point of retiring. Lewis continues to be one of the best drivers in the field. That’s clear.”
Formula One F1 – Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia – April 7, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton reacts after practice REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Schumacher would go on to add, “However, the new concepts require the drivers to adapt a little. Hamilton is not used to that. Russell, on the other hand, is a young pilot. They obviously get along better with it.”
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Watch This Story: Formula 1 Broke a New Record With The 2022 Imola GP Qualifying
What are your thoughts about Ralf’s take on Hamilton’s recent string of performances? With 19 races still remaining, can Lewis eventually come back to fight at the front? Let us know your take in the comments below.
