Last Updated on November 8 2025, 9:13 pm
There has been growing speculation in recent weeks about Lewis Hamilton’s long-term future at Ferrari. His performance has yet to meet expectations in his debut season for the Scuderia, and reports have suggested that the seven-time world champion could consider leaving at the end of 2026.
Oliver Bearman is among those linked as a possible successor; he has impressed during his time on loan at Haas. When asked about the young British driver, Hamilton offered glowing praise, while also quelling rumours of his own early exit.
Hamilton’s challenging first season with Ferrari
When Hamilton joined Ferrari, he and the team had expected podium finishes and a realistic chance of victories. However, his debut year has been far more difficult than expected. Despite showing promise at times, he has not yet secured a single podium finish and continues to struggle with an inconsistent car. While Ferrari has improved the SF-25 compared to previous campaigns, Hamilton has struggled to adapt his driving style to the team’s technical approach.
Naturally, this has led to speculation about his commitment beyond the short term. With his contract running until 2026, some in the paddock have suggested that he could leave a year early if results do not improve. These rumours intensified when reports emerged that Ferrari could promote one of its academy talents to replace Hamilton, with Bearman’s name leading the discussion.
Briatore blames ‘corporate meddling’ for Renault’s F1 demise
Hamilton has expressed admiration for Bearman’s talent
Oliver Bearman’s breakout performance at Haas this season has earned him widespread recognition. After his impressive substitute appearance at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, in which he replaced the ill Carlos Sainz and scored points on his debut, Bearman’s career has continued to go from strength to strength. His consistency, composure and raw pace have stood out throughout his rookie season in Formula 1, prompting speculation that Ferrari may consider him as a long-term option for the team.
When asked about Bearman’s progress, Hamilton spoke with genuine enthusiasm. “It was incredible. I was so happy for him. But also, it was his first race, and the progress he’s made is incredible,” he said. “Ollie is a really nice guy, very approachable, and I think he did a phenomenal job. Haas has done a great job this year, and they have clearly developed a lot too. I’m really looking forward to seeing what he does next.”
Such comments underline Hamilton’s respect for Bearman’s ability and character. Coming from one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history, his praise carries weight, particularly within the Ferrari setup, where mentoring and legacy play significant roles.
Addressing rumours of an early Ferrari exit
While Hamilton’s support for Bearman was clear, he was equally firm in dismissing claims that he is preparing to leave Ferrari early. The Briton clarified that his current contract remains intact and that discussions about an extension or exit are premature.
“Normally, when you make a contract, it’s usually the year before that you start talking about it,” he explained. “I mean, I have a fairly long contract. So, I’m still a little way off negotiating a new contract at the moment. You can draw your own conclusions, but I’m not worried about the future.”
His remarks suggest a driver who is still focused on the task at hand. Despite a difficult start to his Ferrari career, Hamilton remains determined to help the team return to championship contention. According to insiders close to Maranello, Ferrari continues to back him fully and is making ongoing efforts to refine the car and improve performance consistency.
Verstappen questions McLaren’s treatment of Piastri as Norris takes control
Looking ahead
For now, Hamilton’s message is one of commitment and patience. He acknowledges Ferrari’s potential and recognises that achieving success with the Italian team would be one of the defining moments of his career. Meanwhile, the growing admiration for Oliver Bearman suggests that Ferrari’s talent pool remains robust, with the young Briton set to play a pivotal role in its future plans.
Whether Hamilton stays until the end of his contract in 2026 or opens the door for the next generation, his influence on Ferrari’s current and future direction is undeniable. With Bearman watching closely, the passing of the torch — whenever it comes — may already have the champion’s blessing.
Vettel changes his mind on 2025 drivers’ F1 champ prediction
MORE F1 NEWS – Leclerc SLAMS his Ferrari team “not good enough”
Charles Leclerc claimed his seventh podium for Ferrari this season last time out in Mexico, but his second place may have been saved by a late Virtual Safety Car. Max Verstappen on an alternative tyre strategy had closed a twelve second gap after his pit stop to the Ferrari driver and was battling with Leclerc as Carlos Sainz car came to a halt in the stadium section.
Ferrari are in a tight battle for second place in the constructor’s championship, just a point ahead of Mercedes and ten ahead of Max Verstappen and Red Bull. With Lewis Hamilton scoring just 146 points this year, Leclerc’s 210 have not been enough to see of their main two rivals.
Yet Leclerc is dismissive of the importance of finishing second or lower, given the massive points differential to McLaren who won the team trophy with six race weekends remaining.
Ferrari “not good enough”
“It’s not good enough, no,” said the Monegasque driver. “I think when you drive for such a team, the only thing that is good enough is to win. But it’s also true to say that we are against a very, very strong competition and also teams that have a lot of history in the sport and that are very special in their own way. So, it’s not easy.
“But I think, as Ferrari, when you work for such an incredible brand, it’s not good enough and you’ve got to target winning.”
Hopes were high for Ferrari coming into 2025 given across the final six races they had closed a 74 point gap to the leaders to just fourteen come the curtain falling in Abu Dhabi. Yet a strange decision to build an “all new car,” as team boss Fred Vasseur described the SF-25, in the final year of this set of technical regulations has the the team nowhere again in terms of a title fight.
Ferrari have now surpassed their previous longest drought without a constructors’ title which was sixteen long seasons between 1984-1999. It was 2008 when the championship last went to the Maranello based team, with drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Brazilian Felipe Massa…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
Stanton is a London-based journalist specialising in sports business and sponsorship. With a degree in economics and years reporting for business-focused publications, Stanton translates F1’s complex financial world into clear, compelling narratives.
