Ferrari have now removed three drivers from their shortlist to succeed Lewis Hamilton

Follow us on Google Discover

Ferrari have revamped their shortlist of potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton, based on a new report.

Haas driver Oliver Bearman has long been the favourite to succeed Hamilton, given his ties to the Ferrari academy, and he remains in contention.

But it was reported earlier this year that Ferrari were also eyeing the two McLaren drivers and hadn’t ruled out promoting 2025 Formula 3 champion Rafael Camara either.

When will Oliver Bearman replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari?

Or do you think the move won't happen at all?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Max Verstappen heads Ferrari’s new list of priorities

Blick have now shared Ferrari’s updated list of candidates, and Bearman is the only driver who remains.

The biggest change in the driver market landscape since January is the potential availability of Max Verstappen. After Red Bull’s slow start to the season, it’s likely that Verstappen will be able to activate an exit clause in his deal later this year.

Ferrari are naturally attentive to this possibility, while the team are also open to re-signing Carlos Sainz from Williams. Sainz, of course, lost his seat to Hamilton at the end of 2024 but may be assessing his options after James Vowles’ project stalled.

As for the drivers previously listed, Red Bull lead the race for Piastri in the event that Verstappen leaves, and there’s no indication that Norris is a realistic target.

Camara has followed up his Formula 3 title by making an excellent start in F3 – two podiums in two weekends – but he’s likely to follow the Bearman route instead.

When Lewis Hamilton is likely to leave Ferrari

Despite recent speculation online, Hamilton has no plans to announce his retirement at Silverstone, or indeed at any point this year.

Indeed, Hamilton is under contract until the end of 2027, even if Ferrari have been secretive about the terms of his deal.

If he continues at his current level – competitive but a couple of tenths behind Charles Leclerc – then a departure at the end of next year seems likely.

From there, he could either join another team, extending his career into Fernando Alonso territory, or walk away. It’s worth remembering that Hamilton has vowed not to retire until F1 returns to Africa.