Haas driver Oliver Bearman has boldly stated his readiness to replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, as the seven-time world champion’s future with the Scuderia remains uncertain heading into contract negotiations. The 20-year-old British driver expressed confidence in his ability to step into Hamilton’s shoes at Maranello, telling the Mail: “I feel like I am ready. If I didn’t say that, it wouldn’t be worth going to the track.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 after 12 successful seasons with Mercedes has yet to yield the results many expected from the sport’s most successful driver. The 41-year-old has managed just one podium finish since joining the Italian team – a third-place result at this year’s Chinese Grand Prix – and finished 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc in last season’s championship standings. With Hamilton’s current contract set to expire at the end of 2026, Ferrari faces a crucial decision about whether to extend his high-wage deal.
Bearman has emerged as a compelling alternative, having impressed significantly since securing his first full-time Formula 1 seat with Haas in 2025. The former Ferrari junior driver achieved Haas’ joint-best result ever with a fourth-place finish at last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, ironically outperforming both Ferrari drivers who scored zero points that weekend. This season, Bearman has continued his strong form with a fifth-place finish in China and currently sits seventh in the drivers’ championship.
The young Briton emphasized his focus on personal development and performance over results, stating: “I concentrate on myself, on giving my best performances for Haas. It is not necessarily about the result you have achieved but about personal performance.” Bearman stressed the importance of honest self-assessment, noting: “You need to have no ego, no fear of criticising yourself. But you need a good level of self-confidence.”
As Formula 1 prepares for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix – the first race in five weeks – Ferrari’s decision-makers will be closely monitoring both Hamilton’s performance against Leclerc and Bearman’s continued progress with Haas. The situation presents Ferrari with a strategic choice between loyalty to a legendary driver and the potential cost savings and long-term benefits of promoting younger talent.