Lewis Hamilton's dream move to Ferrari faces an uncertain future as Formula One insiders suggest his replacement is already being lined up.
The Verdict from the Pit Lane
Sky Sports' pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz has delivered a stark assessment of Hamilton's position within the Scuderia, stating it appears 'clear as day' that British junior driver Oliver Bearman will eventually take the seven-time world champion's seat.
Speaking on Sky Sports' The F1 Show, Kravitz elaborated: 'It's clear as day that Oli Bearman will eventually replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, I think that's absolutely clear. Whether Charles Leclerc will stay there or not long-term is a completely separate subject.'
Kravitz pointed to Ferrari's established pattern of developing young talent, noting: 'It's the Ferrari way. They did it with Charles Leclerc, to farm out their juniors to a Sauber or a Haas (where Bearman is now) or to an engine customer team.'
A Season of Struggle
The speculation comes during a challenging first season for Hamilton with the legendary Italian team. The British driver's difficulties culminated in a DNF (Did Not Finish) at the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend, where both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc failed to see the chequered flag.
This double retirement has contributed to Ferrari's slide to fourth place in the Constructors' Championship, a disappointing position for a team of their stature.
Kravitz believes Ferrari will likely see out Hamilton's current contract, which is reportedly worth £60 million annually across three years, before making a decision. 'So I think Ferrari will let it play out with Lewis Hamilton in 2026, get to the end of his contract and make a call on whether it's Bearman,' he stated.
Bearman's Rising Stock and Schumacher's Support
The case for promoting Bearman is strengthened by his impressive performances for Haas. Kravitz praised the young Briton's development, highlighting a recent weekend where he achieved a fourth place followed by a sixth, demonstrating growing consistency and pace in Formula One.
This assessment is echoed by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. On the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, Schumacher suggested that Ferrari might opt for the more economical choice. 'With Lewis Hamilton, I simply believe that you have to see it this way: he makes a lot of mistakes and his speed is OK, but not better than that,' Schumacher commented.
He directly contrasted the situation: 'And now I see a young Bearman doing wonders with the Haas and he costs a fraction of what Lewis Hamilton costs.' Schumacher also questioned whether Ferrari president John Elkann could continue to justify Hamilton's massive salary, suggesting the funds could be better spent.
While Haas insists Bearman is 'nailed down for 2026', the growing consensus within the F1 paddock is that his long-term future lies in red, potentially at the expense of the sport's most decorated driver.
