Ralf Schumacher says Lewis Hamilton’s rumoured contract extension shows F1 isn’t what it ‘used to be’

Lewis Hamilton is rumored to have extended his contract with Ferrari for the 2027 season, which would mark his 21st consecutive year in Formula 1. At 42 years old, Hamilton remains competitive, currently tied on points with teammate George Russell and significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the standings. Ralf Schumacher commented on the implications of Hamilton's longevity in the sport, suggesting that the evolving nature of F1 has made it less physically demanding for older drivers to compete effectively.

Schumacher's remarks highlight a broader trend in the sport, where drivers like Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg are also approaching or surpassing 40 years of age. He expressed concern that the current regulations, which emphasize battery and tire management, may diminish the sport's intensity and challenge, potentially affecting the development of younger talent in Formula 1.