Ralf Schumacher Mid Season Review: McLaren, Hamilton, Max etc etc
F1 NewsSaturday, 16 August 2025 at 07:30
Formula 1 is on a much-needed summer break with little news flowing despite a potentially volatile Silly Season always hanging about, providing time to reflect on the past 15 races before action resumes for the final ten at the Dutch Grand Prix later this month.
Speaking to Sport Bild, Grand Prix winner turned Sky Deutschland F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher assessed the state of Formula 1 heading into the summer break. He sees the 2025 title fight between McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as finely balanced, warning Piastri may take excessive risks.
On Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles, he predicts the Briton will see out the season despite tensions. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli needs more time, while Laurent Mekies is restoring harmony at Red Bull but results may take years.
Schumacher backs James Vowles to revive Williams, believes Audi’s leadership can succeed, and says Lawrence Stroll must replace his son to win titles.
He praises Racing Bulls’ stability, urges Haas to find a partner, calls Alpine’s Briatore-era outdated, and says Cadillac’s main challenge is building its team, not driver selection.
Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris for 2025 F1 World Champion?
It is clear that either McLaren’s Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri will be the 2025 F1 World Champion. Nine points separate them with ten rounds to go.
Schumacher: "I would have said before that Lando was the more complete driver. But Oscar has overcome his weaknesses from last year. He used to be too hard on the tyres and couldn’t match the race pace. Now he’s calm under pressure and quick. I see them both at the same level. One retirement or one mistake could decide the World Championship. I see a danger with Oscar that, when he sees the title within reach, he might take too many risks. That can sometimes go wrong."
Will Lewis Hamilton finish the season at Ferrari?
Arguably, the biggest story going into the summer break is the self-inflicted demise of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, who called himself "absolutely useless" and even advised Ferrari to replace him.
After a beautiful honeymoon, the road has been rocky apart from the China Sprint Race masterclass, raising the question: Is divorce imminent? Because the euphoria has faded.
Schumacher: "I said before the season that this could go wrong. Right now, I see a lot of drama from him. He’s been slamming the team, criticising internally, arguing with the car – that doesn’t help anyone. The car suits Leclerc, not him. Maybe he’s too old to adapt. Or he just can’t cope. I think the decision for Leclerc was made long ago. But I don’t think he’ll quit mid-season."
Is Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli the real deal?
Mercedes are adapting to life without Lewis, instead running a fired-up George Russell and teen rookie Kimi Antonelli, which conjures up a whole lot to analyse. The Italian started the season strongly, but has only scored points twice in the last eight races.
Schumacher: "I do believe Kimi is a strong racing driver, but he simply needs time. He came through the junior series very quickly and therefore has relatively little experience. When everything comes together, he’s fast, but the car was obviously too complex. I wouldn’t call him the next Max Verstappen."
Is Laurent Mekies the right successor to Christian Horner at Red Bull?
Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen won't be winning his fifth F1 title this year. The team is struggling despite some early wins, as Red Bull learn to go racing without Christian Horner at the helm; instead, they promoted Laurent Mekies.
Schumacher: "He’s bringing back the old Red Bull feeling – approachable, human, open – without that constant power struggle in the background. But it will take two to three years before things really get going again. At the moment, the team is stuck in mediocrity."
Will team boss James Vowles restore Williams to its former glory?
The legendary team Sir Frank built in a garage (114 GP wins, fifth in the all-time table) is currently fifth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship after years of failure.
Schumacher: "He’s the right man. Williams has very entrenched structures that are difficult to break down. He’s already partly succeeded. The team is well organised and has good drivers. They’re no longer developing the current car; they’re fully focused on 2026. It will be very exciting to see how they manage that."
Will Audi become a top team after the Sauber phase?
The team is still competing under the Sauber name, but will debut as Audi next season. Are the right people in place to run the new era for the giant German car manufacturer?
Schumacher: "Yes, I think it’s possible. Binotto is doing a great job internally, and Wheatley brings experience from Red Bull. They know how to bring in people with the right know-how and use them effectively. I have no idea how far along they are with the engine for next season, but they say they’re very happy. We can look forward to Audi."
Does Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll have to fire his son Lance?
The team has high ambitions but is mostly lagging behind. Lance Stroll is also creating unrest. At Silverstone, he described his car over the radio as "the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever driven." His behaviour and poor performance would not have been tolerated by any team in racing, let alone F1.
Schumacher: "If he really wants to become World Champion, he has to let his son go. Lance’s 27–0 qualifying loss to Fernando Alonso says it all. The father has to decide: gut feeling or success. If he’s serious, he’ll have to completely rethink the driver line-up for 2026. I think he knows that, but it’s a difficult decision for him."
Are the Racing Bulls better than Red Bull?
The strong performances of the “junior” team with young drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar have surprised many. Red Bull shot themselves in the foot firing Sergio Perez. Since then, they have had a number two driver crisis. But maybe Hadjar is their man...
Schumacher: "The car is stable and works in all conditions. They’re doing a great job, and so are the drivers – despite the team’s rebuild. It’s a friendly team with good leadership. Overall, Red Bull can certainly learn a thing or two from them."
Does Gene Haas need to sell his team for success?
The Haas F1 Team has improved massively since Guenther Steiner was sent packing to do podcasts and Ayao Komatsu was put in charge of the team. Since then, results have been better, and Toyota are in the house.
Schumacher: "Sell Haas? Not necessarily. But I would look for a partner – as a junior team, like Racing Bulls are for Red Bull. Perhaps Toyota would be an option if they enter Formula 1."
Does Alpine need Christian Horner or is Flavio Briatore the right man?
Disgraced Flavio Briatore is currently the strong figure in a team that’s been left behind without a chance. What does the future hold for the once-great French (Renault) team?
Schumacher: "I think the time for figures like Flavio is over. You need technically skilled people at the top, someone like Horner. Flavio could still help as an organiser and networker, as a public face."
Is Cadillac taking too long to decide on drivers?
The team will join in 2026 but had no drivers signed until the start of the summer break. The list of candidates can be narrowed down to several drivers, including Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez and Ralf's nephew, Mick Schumacher.
Schumacher: "The drivers are the least of their problems. They only have 400 people – and they have to build an entire team. It’s extremely ambitious. I’m looking forward to it, but it will be a huge sporting challenge. Will they rise like a phoenix from the ashes? Or will they stay grounded?"
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