Lewis Hamilton is closer to the end of his Formula 1 career than the beginning. At 41 years old, the seven-time world champion brings immense experience to Ferrari, but the Scuderia is already looking ahead. According to recent statements by former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner, Ferrari may have found its future star in Oliver Bearman, a young British driver currently competing with Haas but deeply tied to the Ferrari driver academy.
Hamilton joined Ferrari at the start of 2025 after a legendary career with McLaren and Mercedes. His move to Maranello was one of the most anticipated transfers in F1 history, ending his long association with the Silver Arrows. However, age and the inevitable physical decline mean that Ferrari cannot rely on Hamilton forever. The team is known for planning long-term, and reports indicate that they have already begun evaluating potential replacements.
Oliver Bearman: The Rising Star
Oliver Bearman, born in 2005, has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021. He made his F1 debut with Haas in 2024, substituting for an ill Kevin Magnussen at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he impressed by scoring points. In 2025, he secured a full-time seat with Haas, and his performances have caught the attention of the paddock. Steiner, who led Haas for years, believes Bearman is ready for a top team. "I think Oliver is now ready to go to a team where he can win races or at least aim for podiums. He would be good for Ferrari, because they have supported Bearman for a long time, and they could have a driver from their program in the car. It all depends on how long Lewis stays," Steiner told F1i.
Bearman's style is mature beyond his years. He combines raw speed with tactical intelligence, often outperforming more experienced teammates. His familiarity with Ferrari's systems and engineers gives him an edge, should he be promoted. Moreover, Ferrari has historically valued loyalty to its academy, promoting Charles Leclerc directly from its ranks. Bearman could follow a similar path.
Hamilton's Options and Future
Hamilton himself holds the key to his own timeline. His current contract with Ferrari reportedly includes an option to extend through 2028. At 41, Hamilton is still competitive, ranking fifth in the 2025 drivers' championship after a solid start to the season. He has adapted well to Ferrari's machinery, scoring consistent points and even challenging for wins at certain circuits. The Briton has stated he feels rejuvenated by the change of environment and the challenge of bringing success back to Maranello after decades of near-misses.
However, Hamilton is realistic about his race count. He has often said he does not want to overstay his welcome, hinting that he will step aside when he feels he can no longer fight for titles. Ferrari's management respects his decision-making, but they cannot afford to be caught off-guard. That is why succession planning has begun.
Max Verstappen: The Alternate Target
In addition to Bearman, Ferrari is also monitoring the situation of Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Verstappen, currently dominating the sport, has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but rumors of tension with team principal Christian Horner have fueled speculation about a possible exit. Ferrari would be foolish not to consider the Dutchman if he becomes available. Landing Verstappen would be a seismic move, but it would also be expensive and potentially disruptive to the team's harmony. Still, Steiner acknowledged that Ferrari is keeping an eye on all options. "Ferrari is aware that they need to have a plan B, and Verstappen is always a possibility," an insider told the media.
The combination of Leclerc and Verstappen would be a dream team for any fan, but it could also create internal rivalry similar to the Hamilton-Rosberg era at Mercedes. Ferrari's management may prefer a younger, more controllable talent like Bearman, who can grow with the team without demanding superstar status immediately.
Historical Context: Ferrari's Succession Patterns
Ferrari has a long history of managing driver transitions. From Alberto Ascari to Juan Manuel Fangio, from Niki Lauda to Michael Schumacher, and from Kimi Räikkönen to Fernando Alonso, the team has often replaced legends with future champions. However, not all transitions have been smooth. The post-Schumacher period saw a decline until the arrival of Alonso, and the post-Alonso era required rebuilding. Leclerc's arrival in 2019 marked a new chapter, but his partnership with Sebastian Vettel eventually soured, leading to Sainz's entry. Now with Hamilton and Leclerc, Ferrari has arguably its strongest pairing in years, but the clock is ticking on Hamilton's prime.
Günther Steiner's endorsement of Bearman carries weight. Steiner, who spent years evaluating young talent at Haas, has witnessed Bearman's development firsthand. He knows the pressures of F1 and what it takes to succeed at a top team. "Bearman has the right attitude, the speed, and the work ethic," Steiner added. "He's not just a fast kid; he understands the technical side and can communicate effectively with engineers. That's crucial for a team like Ferrari."
The 2025 season continues, and all eyes are on Hamilton's performance. If he can challenge for the title again, his legacy at Ferrari would be cemented, and he might choose to stay longer. If the decline becomes evident, Bearman may get his chance earlier than anticipated. Ferrari's driver market moves will be closely watched, especially with regulation changes coming in 2026 that could reset the competitive order.
In the meantime, Bearman continues to prove his worth at Haas, consistently outperforming his teammate and scoring points despite the car's limitations. He is currently 12th in the standings, with several top-ten finishes. His progress is monitored weekly by Ferrari engineers, who provide him with simulator time at Maranello. The synergy between the two teams is stronger than ever, with Haas acting as a de facto junior team for Ferrari since their technical partnership began.
Lewis Hamilton, for his part, remains focused on the present. "I'm not thinking about retirement yet. I love this sport and I love being with Ferrari. We have a lot of work to do, and I'm excited about the future," he said in a recent press conference. But behind the scenes, the planning for life after Hamilton has already started at Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello.
Source: Le10Sport News