Once among Lewis Hamilton’s most vocal skeptics, Nico Rosberg and Ralf Schumacher are now offering high praise for the seven-time world champion after his breakthrough victory with Ferrari. Rosberg described Hamilton’s first win for the Italian team as a “truly fantastic day,” while Schumacher called the achievement “impressive.” Their admiration marks a significant shift in tone compared to the criticism both former drivers directed at Hamilton only a few months earlier.

Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in Formula 1 history. After spending 12 seasons with Mercedes and securing six of his seven world championships with the team, Hamilton chose to embark on a new challenge by joining Ferrari. The decision captivated fans worldwide and generated enormous anticipation. Many viewed it as the perfect storyline: Formula 1’s most successful driver partnering with its most legendary and iconic constructor. Expectations were sky-high, with supporters imagining a fairy-tale ending to Hamilton’s illustrious career.

However, reality did not immediately match the excitement surrounding the transfer. Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari proved difficult and failed to deliver the success many had predicted. Despite flashes of competitiveness, he struggled to consistently challenge at the front of the grid and was unable to secure a podium finish in a Grand Prix. As Ferrari continued to battle performance issues and Hamilton adapted to a new environment, critics became increasingly vocal.

Among those expressing concerns was former world champion Nico Rosberg, Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate and rival. Rosberg acknowledged Hamilton’s status as one of the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen but suggested that the Ferrari move was not producing the ending many had hoped for.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the time, Rosberg remarked that Hamilton’s situation appeared deeply frustrating. He argued that the lack of success was likely causing considerable disappointment and emotional strain for the British driver. Rosberg also questioned whether continuing to race indefinitely would provide a solution, noting that Hamilton was not getting any younger and that the challenges of competing at the highest level would only become more difficult over time.

Although Rosberg stopped short of openly calling for Hamilton’s retirement, his comments reflected doubts about whether the Ferrari project could ultimately succeed. He appeared uncertain about the future and suggested that the options available to Hamilton were becoming increasingly limited.

Ralf Schumacher, meanwhile, was even more direct in his assessment. The former Formula 1 driver expressed confidence that Charles Leclerc would remain Ferrari’s leading driver and predicted that Hamilton would struggle to match his younger teammate over the course of a full season.

Schumacher argued that while Hamilton might occasionally produce strong performances, he would not be able to consistently compete with Leclerc across an entire championship campaign. His comments implied that Hamilton’s best years were behind him and that the competitive edge that once made him dominant had begun to fade.

Taking his criticism a step further, Schumacher suggested that Hamilton, along with fellow veteran Fernando Alonso, should consider stepping away from Formula 1 altogether. He stated that both drivers ought to vacate their seats at the conclusion of the season and make room for younger talent eager to establish themselves in the sport. According to Schumacher, the next generation deserved opportunities that were being occupied by aging champions nearing the end of their careers.

At the time, such opinions resonated with some observers who believed Hamilton’s decline was inevitable. The disappointing results at Ferrari appeared to support the argument that age and changing circumstances were beginning to catch up with the seven-time world champion. Questions arose about whether he could still compete at the very highest level and whether his ambitious move to Ferrari had been a mistake.

Yet Formula 1 can change rapidly, and Hamilton’s fortunes soon began to improve.

Seven race weekends into the 2026 season, the narrative surrounding Hamilton has shifted dramatically. Rather than discussing retirement or decline, many are once again celebrating his ability to deliver exceptional performances. His long-awaited first victory for Ferrari represented not only a major personal milestone but also a powerful response to those who had doubted him.

The win demonstrated that Hamilton remains capable of competing at the front of the field and delivering results under pressure. It also validated Ferrari’s decision to recruit him and reinforced the belief that the partnership still has significant potential. After months of criticism and uncertainty, the triumph provided a reminder of why Hamilton is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.

Perhaps most notably, the victory prompted a change in attitude from some of his former critics. Rosberg, who had previously questioned whether Hamilton’s Ferrari adventure could end successfully, was among those celebrating the achievement. His description of the day as “truly fantastic” reflected admiration for both the significance of the result and the perseverance Hamilton showed in reaching it.

Schumacher also softened his stance. Having previously argued that Hamilton could not compete with Leclerc over an entire season, he acknowledged the quality of the performance and praised the achievement as impressive. While a single victory does not erase every challenge Ferrari and Hamilton may still face, it clearly forced many commentators to reassess their earlier conclusions.

The turnaround highlights the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where perceptions can change quickly based on results. Drivers who are criticized one weekend can be celebrated the next, and careers that appear to be fading can suddenly regain momentum through a standout performance.

For Hamilton, the Ferrari victory carries importance beyond the points or trophy. It symbolizes resilience, determination, and an ability to silence doubts through action rather than words. After enduring criticism from pundits, former drivers, and sections of the media, he responded in the most effective way possible—by winning.

As the 2026 season continues, there is still a long road ahead. Whether Hamilton can sustain this momentum and challenge consistently for victories or even championships remains to be seen. Nevertheless, his breakthrough success has already altered the conversation. What was once portrayed as a disappointing final chapter now appears far more promising.

The comments from Rosberg and Schumacher illustrate just how dramatically opinions can evolve. Only months ago, both questioned Hamilton’s future and doubted his prospects at Ferrari. Today, they are among those applauding one of the most significant victories of his Ferrari career so far. Their change in perspective serves as a reminder that in Formula 1, success has a remarkable way of transforming criticism into admiration.