The 2025 Formula One season marked a challenging start to Lewis Hamilton Ferrari future, as the seasoned driver joined Scuderia Ferrari for his debut campaign and endured the most difficult year of his career in the sport. Hamilton, who has built his legacy as a seven-time world champion, ended the season without a single race victory, podium finish, or pole position, ultimately ranking sixth in the championship with a total of 156 points—a performance well below expectations for a driver of his caliber and further fueling speculation regarding his future at the Italian team.
This sharp decline in results has brought intense scrutiny from fans and experts alike. Many within the F1 community anticipate that Ferrari could soon make a decision about whether Hamilton will retain his seat, especially as noise around his diminished performance grows. With mounting doubts about his ongoing role, discussions about a possible replacement have intensified, and several voices have already weighed in on who could step into Hamilton’s shoes should a change occur.
Guenther Steiner Identifies Oliver Bearman as Strong Contender
Among those offering an opinion on Ferrari’s options is Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, who shared his thoughts during a guest appearance on the Red Flags podcast. Steiner pointed to Oliver Bearman, a promising young British driver, as a leading candidate to join Ferrari if Hamilton’s tenure comes to an end. According to Steiner, Bearman has matured significantly as a competitor, combining impressive speed with a newfound ability to minimize costly errors—a contrast to his earlier, riskier approach on track.
“[At the start of 2025 he was] fast, but making mistakes. But in the second half of the season, he got rid of them, just like a switch. Because in the first half of the season, I thought he was taking too much risk with the car he had, and therefore had a few offs. It wasn’t good. He got a lot of penalty points, and he still kept collecting them in the second half of the season.”
—Guenther Steiner, via Red Flags podcast
Despite a rocky start, Bearman’s progress in the latter stages of the 2025 season was widely recognized. His talent for wheel-to-wheel battle and overtaking maneuvers has garnered admiration from team insiders and commentators, with Steiner emphasizing that Bearman is embedded within the Maranello-based Ferrari system. The young driver has already demonstrated his adaptability during a high-pressure stand-in role for Carlos Sainz earlier in the year, signaling his readiness for a full-time seat should the opportunity arise. Steiner sees Bearman as fully prepared for Formula One and capable of managing the demands that come with representing Ferrari.
“But it’s just like he didn’t make mistakes anymore, even in the races. He was fighting hard, and we all know he can overtake. I think, for him, the door should be open at Ferrari for ’27 because if Lewis hasn’t got the success he needs, I don’t think he continues. And then [Bearman] is the obvious candidate there for Ferrari — a guy who is well prepared for F1 and is performing. And also, he’s good with everything else around him.”
—Guenther Steiner added.
Bearman’s noteworthy performance this season, including amassing 41 points in a less competitive Haas car and achieving a best finish of fourth place—matching Hamilton’s top result—emphasized his readiness for a promotion. Outscoring his more experienced teammate Esteban Ocon 41 to 32 further strengthened Bearman’s case as the logical successor should Ferrari need to move on from the veteran British star.
Hamilton Affirms Commitment to Ferrari Amid Uncertainty
Despite facing an avalanche of doubt and the possibility of replacement, Lewis Hamilton remains steadfast in his commitment to Ferrari and is determined to overcome this tough period. In a recent interview, the champion voiced his unwavering resolve to reach new heights with the team, expressing confidence in his ability to eventually triumph with the iconic Italian marque.
“There are just many mountains that I have yet to conquer. Everything that I challenge myself to work towards, I truly believe I can get there. I haven’t climbed that mountain yet. If you don’t have any ‘yets’, then you’ve got nothing to will you forward. Even if you’ve been working at something for years and still don’t feel like you’re there, it’s okay. You keep going, and you will get there.”
—Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton’s statement signals that, even after a frustrating campaign, he has no intention of stepping aside easily. Instead, the British driver seems galvanized to prove his worth in scarlet red and to chase unfinished business at Ferrari, despite the increasing pressure from rising stars like Bearman and the ever-watchful eyes within the F1 paddock. Both team leaders and fans alike understand what is on the line as the 2026 season approaches—the outcome could define the closing chapter of one of motorsport’s most storied careers.
2026 Season to Determine Fate of Legendary Driver
The upcoming 2026 campaign will be pivotal in determining whether Hamilton can bounce back and reassert himself as a leading contender, as well as solidify his place in Ferrari’s long-term plans. Should he fail to return to winning ways or to contend for the championship, conversations about his future are expected to intensify, and the prospect of a new era—possibly led by Oliver Bearman—could emerge for the Maranello squad.
As fans, insiders, and the F1 world await the next chapter in the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari future, the spotlight will remain firmly on both the veteran champion and the rising talents ready to leave their own mark. The stakes are high, and the coming seasons promise to shape not only Ferrari’s direction but also the ongoing legacy of one of Formula One’s greatest drivers.
