Ferrari warned about Lewis Hamilton ‘contract clause’ by Michael Schumacher’s brother | F1 | Sport
Lewis Hamilton signed a lucrative multi-year deal when he joined Ferrari (Image: Getty)
Ralf Schumacher, the brother of Ferrari legend Michael, believes Lewis Hamilton may have the power to block team orders during Grand Prix weekends. The seven-time world champion is among the highest-paid drivers on the grid, having signed a lucrative multi-year deal before the 2025 season. He endured a nightmare first season at Ferrari but has been looking more like his former self in 2026.
Hamilton secured his first podium in red at the Chinese Grand Prix, coming home in third place. He has also enjoyed an on-track rivalry with Charles Leclerc but was left frustrated in Japan as he could not understand the power advantage his team-mate had down the straights. Their battles at Suzuka saw them lose time to the frontrunners but Ferrari didn’t step in to put a stop to proceedings.
Schumacher believes that may have stemmed from a clause in Hamilton’s contract potentially banning team orders that would go against him.
Speaking on Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher said: “I’m actually of the opinion – although I’ll obviously get a storm of criticism for this again, but I don’t care – that although Lewis Hamilton is clearly back in the mix this year, which I’m very happy about, he’ll also have contracts that allow him to do exactly that.
“I could imagine that even if Fred [Vasseur] wanted to, he wouldn’t be able to say anything, because I believe Lewis Hamilton can decide for himself what he needs to do. He’ll enjoy a certain number one status, I can almost imagine.
“That’s why Ferrari doesn’t stand a chance. He’ll decide that on his own. But of course that causes a stir in the team. It stirs things up a bit. So yes, it happened once or twice, but that’s just how it is.
“I mean, I’m saying now that, relatively speaking, you should handle it a bit differently. I think it’s down to the contract situation, and I also think – and this is actually the main problem – you mustn’t underestimate that sort of thing.”
Ralf Schumacher suspects Hamilton may have a special contract clause (Image: Getty)
The existence of such a clause in Hamilton’s contract has never been confirmed, but Vasseur has already said that he sees no problem with the two drivers fighting for position.
Speaking after the Japanese Grand Prix, the Ferrari team principal said: “In overtake mode, it’s quite easy to stay behind someone.
“Once there is a gap, you lose, and it is very difficult to freeze the position there. But they have experience, they’re professionals, and they know what they’re doing. I’m not afraid of that.”
Vasseur also noted that Ferrari, along with several other teams, will bring major upgrades when the season resumes at the Miami Grand Prix.
“Please don’t misinterpret my statements: everyone will have upgrades, everyone will have changed their car, everything will change, it will be a new season,” he added.
“We didn’t bring everything in the first few races, also because of the budget limit. From now on, everyone will push. The most important thing is the teams’ capacity to bring new upgrades.”
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