This season has brought new questions about the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari replacement, with uncertainty emerging over the long-term plans for his eventual successor. As Hamilton’s debut campaign with Ferrari disappoints, internal and external pressures are already shaping potential scenarios for 2026 and beyond.
Hamilton, now focused on competing for an unprecedented eighth world championship, has faced a challenging start at Ferrari. Observers are questioning whether he will remain with the Italian team after the 2026 season, especially if current struggles continue. Recognizing the need for future-proofing, Ferrari has been grooming Ollie Bearman, a talented British driver, as a possible replacement. Bearman joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022 and was signed to customer team Haas for his rookie Formula 1 season. However, his path is facing fresh complications.
Haas Strengthens Ties With Toyota, Creating Uncertainty For Bearman
Last year, Haas formalized a multi-year technical partnership with Toyota, the Japanese manufacturer. Starting in 2026, Toyota will step in as Haas’s title sponsor, taking over from Moneygram. This partnership has already yielded benefits for Haas, notably providing the team’s Banbury base its own simulator—a resource they previously accessed via Ferrari facilities. The evolution of the Haas-Toyota alliance is raising doubts about the continued collaboration between Haas and Ferrari, which could have direct implications for Bearman’s career trajectory.
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve highlighted the delicate situation during an interview on the High Performance Podcast. Villeneuve pointed out that while Bearman is ready and waiting to move up, the changing team dynamics may complicate his path to Ferrari.
“If you think about it, Bearman is the Ferrari driver. Just waiting for a seat to become available there,”
Villeneuve observed.
— Jacques Villeneuve, former Formula 1 world champion
He further questioned the longevity of Haas’s connection to Ferrari under Toyota’s growing influence.
“Although the team will not really be a Ferrari team anymore because Toyota is getting more and more involved in the team so at some point this will stop.”
— Jacques Villeneuve, former Formula 1 world champion
The potential breakdown in Haas and Ferrari’s relationship muddies the situation for Bearman, whose progression to Ferrari may depend on arrangements outside his own control. As these partnerships continue to evolve, questions remain about how stable the pipeline of future Ferrari drivers will be and whether Bearman will get his long-anticipated opportunity. The situation underscores the tension and uncertainty surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future and Ferrari’s long-term strategic planning, placing added scrutiny on every decision made during this critical transition period.
