Oliver Bearman’s talks with Fred Vasseur show how Ferrari really feel about Lewis Hamilton

Follow us on Google Discover

Oliver Bearman is the likeliest replacement if Lewis Hamilton leaves Ferrari at the end of the 2026 season. There are two possible routes to the seat.

The first is that Bearman performs so well in his second season at Haas that he becomes impossible to ignore. He scored 41 points in his rookie season, more than established teammate Esteban Ocon, and bagged three top-six finishes.

The second is that Hamilton’s 2025 woes continue, sapping any will to continue the partnership on either side. The 41-year-old could retire from F1 altogether in those circumstances.

Change my mind: Lewis Hamilton is the F1 driver who has to improve the most in 2026

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

It’s believed that Hamilton’s Ferrari contract runs until 2027, but the third year is not guaranteed.

According to Ted Kravitz, it’s already ‘absolutely clear’ that Bearman will succeed Hamilton. It’s just a question of when and how.

Oliver Bearman is not discussing his F1 future with Ferrari

In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Bearman shared details of his talks with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur. He has the opportunity to share the context behind his results.

Vasseur will naturally keep an eye on Bearman, a member of the Ferrari driver academy, but won’t have the time to follow his weekends in depth.

Intriguingly, though, the 20-year-old still hasn’t discussed his future with Ferrari. That suggests that the Scuderia are still committed to achieving success with Hamilton.

What does Oliver Bearman need to do to become a Ferrari driver in 2027?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

If they had already given up on the veteran after a desperate 2025, then they might have started actively preparing Bearman for a promotion.

“We talk every now and then about how I’m doing in Formula 1,” said Bearman. “The numbers and results don’t always tell the whole story.

“That’s why it’s good to be able to explain where the challenges lie. But we haven’t talked about my future yet. I just have to drive fast. The rest will take care of itself.”

‘That’s what motivates me to get up’ – Ollie Bearman on racing for Ferrari

Bearman made an unplanned debut for Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP when full-time driver Carlos Sainz went down with appendicitis. He won the driver of the day award after a stellar P7.

That brief cameo will have only strengthened his longing to become a permanent fixture. He can take inspiration from Charles Leclerc, the academy graduate who started his career at Alfa Romeo-Sauber.

“That’s my dream,” said Bearman. “That’s what motivates me to get up in the morning and always give my all. I want to drive in red, and I want to win in red. That’s the goal I want to achieve in my life.”

On Tuesday, Haas announced the signing of Jack Doohan as reserve driver. Doohan may sense an opportunity to return to F1 in 2027 amid rumours about Bearman moving to Maranello.