Could Oliver Bearman Be the Next Star to Replace Hamilton at Ferrari?
As the pressure mounts at Ferrari amidst a tumultuous Formula 1 season, a glimmer of hope emerges from an unexpected source: Haas rookie Oliver Bearman. With Ferrari’s dismal performance culminating in a shocking double non-finish at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Scuderia’s chairman, John Elkann, has ignited a firestorm of speculation with his recent comments suggesting that drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc should “talk less” and let their skills do the talking. This bold statement raises eyebrows, especially considering that both drivers have been grappling with persistent issues stemming from the underperforming SF-25, particularly after the disqualifications at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The uncertainty surrounding the futures of these high-profile drivers has intensified. Hamilton has been rumored to be contemplating retirement or a move away from the sport entirely by 2027 if there isn’t a significant turnaround in fortunes. Meanwhile, Leclerc appears increasingly frustrated as his trust in Ferrari has yet to yield any trophies, and the team seems to take a step backward yet again this season.
In the midst of this chaos, all eyes are turning to Bearman, who has suddenly become the talk of the paddock. Having burst onto the scene as a substitute for Carlos Sainz during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2024, Bearman’s initial performances were inconsistent. Yet, a remarkable resurgence in recent races has revitalized hope. The young Briton has proven himself, showcasing impressive skills with multiple appearances in Q3 and even finishing fourth in Mexico, a joint-best result for Haas since their debut in 2016.
Bearman’s journey has not been without challenges. Early in the season, qualifying was a significant hurdle for him, but he has since turned the tide, demonstrating not just raw speed but also strategic acumen. His performance in Mexico was particularly noteworthy, where he executed a brilliant defense against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, solidifying his position and proving the initial success was no fluke.
As the Brazilian Grand Prix unfolded, Bearman was a surprising contender for pole position, showing flashes of brilliance that had fans buzzing with excitement. Although he ultimately qualified eighth, he capitalized on Leclerc’s early retirement to surge into sixth place, including a daring lunge at Turn 1 that showcased his fearless driving style.
With the current driver lineup seemingly secure for the upcoming season, questions abound: Is Ferrari truly considering Bearman for a future seat? Historically, the Scuderia has favored experienced drivers over untested talents, but the tides may be shifting. With the long-term futures of rivals like George Russell at Mercedes in doubt, Bearman is making a compelling case for himself.
If he maintains his upward trajectory, Ferrari may find it impossible to overlook the rising star. And if they do, rest assured that other teams on the grid will be eager to snatch him up. The question remains: could Oliver Bearman be the one to fill the formidable shoes of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari? As the drama unfolds, all eyes will be glued to the track to see if this young driver can turn potential into reality.








