Ferrari Already Has the Perfect Hamilton Replacement in Oliver Bearman
Oliver Bearman, a Ferrari academy product, is emerging as the ideal long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton. His impressive rookie season and deep integration into the Ferrari system make him a seamless and logical fit for the team's future.
As Lewis Hamilton's tenure at Ferrari winds down following a difficult 2025 season, the Scuderia appears to have already cultivated his ideal successor within its own ranks. Oliver Bearman, a 20-year-old product of the Ferrari Driver Academy, has demonstrated the composure, pace, and racecraft required for a top seat. His impressive rookie campaign with Haas, a Ferrari-affiliated team, strongly suggests he is ready for the step up to Maranello's top team when the opportunity arises.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's struggles and his admission of a "nightmare" season have fueled retirement speculation, potentially leaving Ferrari with a vacancy sooner than expected. Securing a young, proven talent like Bearman ensures stability and a long-term project, avoiding the risk and adaptation period that comes with signing an external driver. Bearman represents a homegrown solution, already deeply embedded in Ferrari's culture and methodology, which is crucial for a team with such high internal expectations and a complex political structure.
The details:
- Impressive Debut: Stepped in for an ill Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP, securing a remarkable 7th place after just one hour of practice, showcasing exceptional calm under pressure.
- Strong Rookie Season: In 2025 with Haas, he scored 41 points and finished 13th in the championship, consistently outperforming his experienced teammate, Esteban Ocon.
- Historic Points Streak: Became the first Haas driver ever to score points in five consecutive races, a feat he accomplished from Singapore to Las Vegas.
- Standout Racecraft: His drive in Mexico, where he climbed from 9th to 4th while holding off George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Oscar Piastri, highlighted racecraft and maturity far beyond his years.
What's next:
With Hamilton's contract uncertain beyond 2026, Ferrari faces a critical decision on its driver lineup for the new ground-effect regulations. Bearman is perfectly positioned to be promoted to the main team, potentially as early as 2027, providing Charles Leclerc with a teammate groomed for success at Maranello. If his trajectory continues, Ferrari could have a formidable, all-homegrown driver pairing built for a sustained championship challenge in the post-Hamilton era.