As the 2026 regulation reset approaches, intense discussion surrounds Lewis Hamilton‘s long-term position at Ferrari, especially with the impressive emergence of Ferrari academy driver Oliver Bearman. After a promising rookie season at Haas, Bearman has attracted significant attention from Maranello, hinting at a potential opportunity to join Ferrari’s main team in 2027. This prospect is heightened by both drivers’ contracts concluding at the end of 2026 amid ongoing performance contrasts.
Oliver Bearman’s Breakthrough Rookie Season Highlights His Rising Profile
In his debut year in Formula 1 during 2025, Oliver Bearman demonstrated exceptional talent, amassing 41 points and finishing 13th in the drivers’ standings. This performance stood out especially given the competitive midfield machinery he drove. Bearman earned points in nine of the 24 races and regularly outperformed his Haas teammate Esteban Ocon. Among first-year drivers, only Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls recorded better results, placing Bearman firmly among an elite rookie class.
By contrast, Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 campaign at Ferrari marked a difficult phase. The seven-time world champion collected 156 points and ended sixth overall but was unable to secure a single podium finish. His teammate Charles Leclerc carried the team’s strong results, while Hamilton grappled with inconsistent pace and challenges adapting to the car’s performance demands. These differing trajectories between the young newcomer and seasoned veteran have naturally sparked questions about Ferrari’s driver lineup moving forward.
Bearman Emphasizes Focus on Performance Over Speculation on Future Role
Despite swirling rumors about him potentially replacing Hamilton, Bearman remains concentrated on improving his on-track results rather than contract discussions. He regularly connects with Frederic Vasseur, Haas team principal, to provide clarity on his current situation, stressing that outside interpretations based solely on results do not tell the full story.
“I talk to Frederic Vasseur from time to time,” the Briton said to F1 Passion. “I like to clarify what’s happening on my side, because it’s easy to just look at the results, but they don’t always tell the whole story. As for my future, we don’t talk about it. I just drive the car. I think the rest will come automatically if I perform well.”
Bearman also acknowledges ongoing feedback from Ferrari aimed at refining specific aspects of his driving, which he views as a natural part of his growth. A transparent dialogue exists around the challenges he faces, underscoring his methodical progression.
“There have been times when Ferrari has asked me to improve certain aspects of my driving, but it’s always been obvious to me that I need to improve. My experience is increasing, and I’m naturally improving over time. There’s an open discussion. We’re talking about the challenges I face.”
Shared Power Units in 2026 Create Tighter Benchmarking Across Teams
The 2026 season will see Ferrari, Haas, and Cadillac all running Ferrari power units under new regulations, creating a unique environment to directly compare driver and team performances. With Bearman’s contract at Haas and Hamilton’s at Ferrari both ending this year, the upcoming driver market could see significant shifts based on the season’s outcomes.
Oliver Bearman’s Respect for Lewis Hamilton Amid Future Speculations
Though frequently mentioned as a potential successor to Hamilton, Bearman consistently expresses respect and admiration for the veteran champion. He has publicly recognized Hamilton as a positive influence and role model, emphasizing his approachable nature and kindness on the grid.
“Honestly, he’s been one of the kindest and most forthcoming drivers on the grid. I remember after my first race he was incredibly kind and we sometimes catch up on the parade laps and stuff like that and always really kind and approachable, really a good model for young drivers to look up to… This is the type of guy that you should be,” Bearman told Motorsport.com last year.
Future Prospects Hinged on 2026 Season and Regulation Overhaul
The sweeping changes expected in the 2026 technical regulations—including new power units and chassis designs—are likely to reshape Formula 1’s competitive order. If Bearman can build on the promise shown in his rookie year and continue developing his skills under Ferrari’s guidance, he may become a realistic candidate to replace Hamilton on Ferrari’s roster. Conversely, if Hamilton regains his former form, Ferrari’s driver lineup could remain stable. The unfolding 2026 campaign will be critical in determining the Scuderia’s trajectory and the possible introduction of fresh talent into one of its seats.
