Ferrari Faces Pressure to Ditch Hamilton as Young Star Emerges as Sensational Replacement
In a season riddled with disappointment, Ferrari’s performance in Formula 1 has left fans and pundits alike questioning the future of their star driver, Lewis Hamilton. The iconic team, once synonymous with victory and prestige, has struggled to find its footing, and now former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher is making waves with a bold suggestion: it’s time for Ferrari to consider sidelining Hamilton and promote rising talent Oliver Bearman.
Hamilton, who joined the Scuderia from Mercedes with high hopes, has yet to clinch a podium finish this year—a stark contrast to his prior accolades. The legendary seven-time champion has been outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, raising eyebrows and igniting fierce debate about whether Hamilton’s hefty salary can still be justified. Schumacher didn’t hold back in critiquing Hamilton’s current form, stating, “Besides the fact that he makes a lot of mistakes, his speed is just okay, but not better.”
The financial implications of Hamilton’s lucrative contract, reportedly exceeding a staggering 60 million annually, loom large over Ferrari’s decision-makers. Chairman John Elkann has recently urged the drivers to “talk less” and “focus” on their performance, but the mounting pressure is palpable. Schumacher adds fuel to the fire, suggesting that the team might be reconsidering its investment in Hamilton, especially when they have a promising talent like Bearman waiting in the wings.
Bearman, a standout in Ferrari’s junior academy, has made an impressive debut season at Haas, showcasing his potential with a career-best fourth place finish in Mexico and a strong sixth in Brazil. “I wonder if Ferrari is saying, ‘this has been like this for a year now, Hamilton has basically stood still’,” Schumacher speculated, hinting at a potential shift in strategy.
The narrative is clear: Ferrari might be on the brink of a transformative decision that could redefine their trajectory in the sport. Schumacher argues for the merits of investing in Bearman, describing him as “a young, fresh driver who drives the brand forward.” With the ever-evolving regulations on the horizon, the Scuderia may need to pivot quickly to remain competitive.
As the F1 world watches with bated breath, the question remains: will Ferrari make the bold call to replace Hamilton with Bearman? The stakes are high, and the outcome could reshape the future of the team. Fans are left wondering if this iconic brand can reclaim its place at the top—only time will tell.
