Guenther Steiner: Oliver Bearman is Ferrari's 'Obvious' Choice to Replace Hamilton

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has labeled Oliver Bearman as the "obvious candidate" to replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, should the seven-time world champion retire after the 2026 season. Steiner's endorsement comes after Bearman's impressive rookie campaign in 2025, where he showed significant maturity and pace despite a challenging start. The former Haas boss believes the Ferrari Driver Academy star is now ready for a top-tier drive.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's driver lineup is always under intense scrutiny, and a potential vacancy alongside Charles Leclerc is a massive story in the F1 world. The succession plan for Hamilton, who joined Ferrari to chase an eighth title, is a critical strategic decision for the team. Promoting a driver from their own academy, like Bearman, would signify a successful long-term investment and a return to the Scuderia's tradition of nurturing talent.

The details:

• Steiner's Verdict: On the Red Flags podcast, Steiner stated that if Hamilton doesn't find the success he's looking for, he likely won't continue, making Bearman the logical choice.
• 2025 Season Arc: Bearman's season was a tale of two halves. He started with a heavy crash in Australia and accumulated several penalty points.
• Mid-Season Transformation: Steiner noted Bearman "got rid of them, just like a switch," becoming a regular Q3 contender and points scorer.
• Standout Performance: His best result was a remarkable P4 in Mexico City, where he battled wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen.
• Remaining Concern: Despite his pace, Bearman ended the season just two penalty points away from a one-race ban, an area he still needs to manage.

What's next:

The decision hinges on two factors: Hamilton's performance and motivation through the 2026 season, and Bearman's continued development. Hamilton joined Ferrari with the clear goal of winning his eighth world title. If the 2026 car is not competitive, his willingness to continue into 2027 at age 42 could be in question. For Bearman, the focus will be on translating his raw speed into consistent, penalty-free performances to prove he is truly ready for the pressure of a top Ferrari seat.