Alex Jacques believes one driver is in a ‘brilliant position’ to join Ferrari once Lewis Hamilton leaves F1

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Lewis Hamilton achieved his childhood dream by signing for Ferrari from Mercedes. However, his move to Maranello has become more like a nightmare in 2025.

Formula 1 commentator Alex Jacques has been speaking exclusively to F1 Oversteer about Hamilton’s woes at Ferrari.

The seven-time champion has struggled to find the right balance with the SF-25 and get accustomed to his new surroundings. He is yet to score a podium for Ferrari, while teammate Charles Leclerc has grabbed five this season.

The Brit is in desperate need of a reset over the summer break. Hamilton sensationally suggested that he should be replaced after a dismal weekend at the Hungarian GP, where he finished P12 after getting knocked out in Q2.

Naturally, Ferrari are not turning a ‘blind eye’ to Hamilton’s comments, but there has been no indication that the team plan to part ways. However, they may already know who the 40-year-old’s replacement will be.

Alex Jacques believes Oliver Bearman is in a ‘brilliant position’ to join Ferrari when Lewis Hamilton retires

Haas driver Oliver Bearman is the latest talent to emerge from the Ferrari academy onto the F1 grid. He impressed in his substitute appearances in 2024 for Ferrari and Haas, which were enough to earn him a seat with the latter alongside Esteban Ocon.

The 20-year-old has scored just eight points in 2025, but he has been unfortunate not to add more to his tally, with four consecutive 11th-place finishes before the Hungarian GP. As Jacques notes, he is next in line to drive for Ferrari, with Bearman already having an apartment in Maranello.

“I think Bearman is in a brilliant position with his association with that team long term,” he said exclusively to F1 Oversteer. “I think the fact that they put him in the car for his Formula 1 debut speaks to how highly they rate him. It’s going to be the same management, Fred has got a long-term contract there.

“He’s been consistently quick in everything he’s ever raced in, had a very sticky final year in Formula 2, where his performance from his rookie year evaporated. He’d already shown enough with Haas in FP1s to get the chance.

“I think he’ll be irritated that he’s not scored in a Grand Prix. He’s obviously scored in his Sprint Race, but I think he’ll be irritated that he’s not scored in a Grand Prix since back in Bahrain, which is a long run of races to have.

“Especially given that Haas update, the drivers believe it’s worth a lot and they’ve managed not to find themselves in contention. You heard how downbeat he was.

“I think they’ll take a view at the end of the year. Ferrari will just want to seek progress, won’t they? They will just want to see, OK, you’re capable of getting into Q3, you’re capable over one lap. Are you going to be able to finish the end of the year strong? Do you have a card to finish the end of the year strong?

“But they just want to see consistent progress all the way through, but he’s been the driver that they’ve had in mind for the future for a long time.”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

When will Lewis Hamilton call time on his incredible Formula 1 career?

The Haas driver is a talent for the future, but he is far from the finished product. Jeroen Bleekemolen says Bearman has made ‘stupid mistakes’ in his rookie season this year.

The Brit would have huge shoes to fill replacing a seven-time champion, but with the right guidance and development, he could make a serious impression at Ferrari.

In the meantime, the Maranello outfit will be desperate to see Hamilton improve his form, especially given the hype that surrounded him during the off-season. But as his woes continue, rumours are coming about as to when he could call time on his career.

Hamilton has a contract until 2026 with the option of a further year; the 40-year-old has control over whether he wants to trigger the third year. However, some English journalists think Hamilton could quit this year and walk away from F1 after a miserable few years.