Ferrari is leaning towards Oliver Bearman as the top candidate to step in if Lewis Hamilton leaves the team after the 2026 season. There are two possible ways it could happen.
Ferrari is leaning towards Oliver Bearman as the top candidate to step in if Lewis Hamilton leaves the team after the 2026 season. There are two possible ways it could happen.
One path is that Bearman impresses so much in his second year with Haas that Ferrari feels they have no choice but to bring him in. He put together a strong rookie season, picking up 41 points and outscoring teammate Esteban Ocon while also notching three top-six finishes.
The other scenario is that Hamilton’s struggles continue into next season, leading both sides to rethink their relationship. At 41, he might even consider stepping away from Formula One altogether.
Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari technically runs through 2027, though the third year isn’t set in stone.
Ted Kravitz has said it’s already ‘absolutely clear’ that Bearman will be the one to take over from Hamilton. The only real question now is when and under what circumstances it happens.
Bearman Not in Talks With Ferrari About His Future
Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Bearman mentioned that while he’s had conversations with Fred Vasseur, the focus has mainly been on his current form rather than what lies ahead. These chats have allowed him to explain the circumstances behind his results, offering more context than just numbers on a page.
As part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Bearman is someone Vasseur will naturally keep tabs on, even if he can’t watch every session closely.
Interestingly, there hasn’t been any discussion yet between Bearman and Ferrari about what comes next. That absence of dialogue suggests that the team is still committed to trying to make things work with Hamilton.
If they’d already moved past that idea after a tough 2025 season, you’d expect them to be further along in preparing Bearman for a step up by now.
“We talk every now and then about how I’m doing in Formula 1,” said Bearman. “The numbers and results don’t always tell the whole story.
“That’s why it’s good to be able to explain where the challenges lie. But we haven’t talked about my future yet. I just have to drive fast. The rest will take care of itself.”
Bearman speaks about how much he wants to drive for Ferrari
Bearman filled in at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, stepping in for Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined with appendicitis. His impressive drive to P7 earned him the driver of the day award.
That experience will have only increased his desire for a full-time role. He can take inspiration from Charles Leclerc, who also came through the academy system and began his career at Alfa Romeo-Sauber.
“That’s my dream,” Bearman said. “That’s what motivates me to get up in the morning and always give my all. I want to drive in red, and I want to win in red. That’s the goal I want to achieve in my life.”
Meanwhile, Haas have brought in Jack Doohan as their new reserve driver. With speculation building about Bearman’s future move to Maranello, Doohan may see a path back into Formula 1 by 2027.
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Category: General Sports
