How the Formula 1 paddock would view Oliver Bearman joining Ferrari if Lewis Hamilton retires

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Oliver Bearman is being tipped as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari if and when he decides to call time on his Formula 1 career.

The seven-time champion’s contract expires at the end of 2026, with there being uncertainty surrounding his long-term future. Hamilton has the option to extend his deal for another season.

However, it has been reported that Ferrari are not planning to offer Hamilton a new contract. He faces leaving the team and F1 altogether at the end of his deal, with the Maranello outfit already plotting moves on the Formula 1 driver market.

George Russell has been linked with Ferrari as the team plan a shock move for the Mercedes star. Bearman is also being considered for a seat, with the Ferrari junior currently impressing in his rookie season with Haas.

The 20-year-old recently scored his best result in F1 to date, finishing fourth in Mexico. With Hamilton’s exit from Ferrari pending, Bearman finds himself in line to join the famous red team.

James Hinchcliffe says it would ‘surprise no one’ if Oliver Bearman replaced Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

It has recently been reported that Bearman has been chosen as Hamilton’s successor, with Ferrari holding him in high regard for the future. It is no surprise, therefore, that ‘no one’ in the F1 paddock would be taken aback if he did sign with the Maranello outfit.

F1 pundit James Hinchcliffe wrote in his column for F1.com: “We know he has a multi-year deal with Haas. Just as we know Hamilton has a multi-year deal with Ferrari.

“Given he came up through the Ferrari academy, made his (rather successful) debut for the team last year, coupled with the growth and performance he is showing week in and week out, it would surprise no one if Bearman was heir apparent to the seat

“Hamilton currently occupies when the seven-time champion decides to call it a day on his Formula 1 endeavours.

“Needless to say, whether it’s with the Scuderia or not, Bearman’s performances are making it seem like he will be a staple of the grid for years to come.”

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Haas driver Oliver Bearman? Everything to know

How do Ferrari really rate Oliver Bearman ahead of a possible move?

With his performances in 2025, Bearman’s salary is set to double next season. As his stock rises, Ferrari are keeping more tabs on the Brit for a possible move.

Ferrari hope Bearman can continue to improve after his best finish in Mexico. They want to see him progress further with Haas into the 2026 F1 regulations before deciding on his future.

But the team know that they may need to act fast. Ferrari are worried another top team could sign Bearman before they have the chance to bring him in for Hamilton.

Martin Brundle thinks Bearman should join Ferrari the moment a seat becomes available. The team will be desperate for him to bring success back to Maranello if Hamilton and Charles Leclerc cannot in 2026.