Despite Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing reign at Ferrari, the clock is ticking on his illustrious career, and the race to fill his void is already underway. The Formula 1 legend, set to turn 40 this year, acknowledges that his days in the sport are numbered even as he eyes an eighth world title.
According to Anthony Davidson, renowned Sky Sports F1 pundit, the one to watch is Oliver Bearman, the rising star poised to succeed Hamilton at Ferrari when the seven-time champion hangs up his racing gloves. Davidson, in his 2025 F1 season preview, pinpointed Bearman as the favored successor, citing his previous stint with Ferrari and his promising full-time run with Haas in 2025 as key indicators of his potential ascension.
Bearman’s impressive performance as a stand-in for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has already marked him out as a talent worth watching. The young driver, backed by Ferrari itself, has already made an impression on the team, and his upcoming season with Haas presents another opportunity to demonstrate his prowess in the high-stakes world of F1.
Bearman’s future, however, isn’t without challenges. His upcoming teammate at Haas, Esteban Ocon, is a seasoned competitor known for his tenacity on the track. Davidson noted that overpowering Ocon could be a significant feather in Bearman’s cap, potentially bolstering his chances for a future with Ferrari.
Moreover, Bearman’s path to Ferrari is also linked to his performance at Haas, one of the smaller teams in the sport. While Haas has seen progress over the years, the team’s early focus on the 2026 regulations could potentially hinder Bearman’s full potential in the 2025 season. Yet, the young driver’s affiliation with the Ferrari Driver Academy and his on-track experience could make him the prime candidate for a future promotion.
Adding a further layer of complexity is Ocon’s history of strained relations with his teammates. Bearman will need to navigate this potential pitfall while delivering consistent performances to attract Ferrari’s attention.
With the looming changes in regulations expected to position Ferrari as a championship contender, the stakes are high for whoever takes over from Hamilton. If Davidson’s predictions hold, Bearman could be the next British driver to don the coveted Ferrari red. As the transition period looms over Ferrari, the world waits with bated breath to see who will take up Lewis Hamilton’s mantle.
