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Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Replacement Driver Revealed: ‘Expect the Unexpected’
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Highlights
- Lewis Hamilton contracted with Ferrari through 2026; future uncertain
- Oliver Bearman named strong Ferrari successor by James Hinchcliffe
- Bearman earned career-best fourth place at 2024 Mexican Grand Prix
- Bearman gained Ferrari experience filling in at Saudi Arabian GP
- Lando Norris leads 2025 F1 standings; Ferrari second in teams
James Hinchcliffe believes Ferrari’s succession plan looks secure, with Oliver Bearman emerging as the long‑term option once Lewis Hamilton steps aside.
Hamilton joins Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes and faces a steep adaptation curve to new systems, personnel, and car characteristics.
He remains under contract for 2025 and 2026, though Ferrari’s plans beyond that horizon are not yet defined.
Hinchcliffe rates Bearman highly. The Briton is a Ferrari junior and currently on a multi‑year deal with Haas, offering valuable race mileage.
Bearman’s headline result is fourth place in Mexico 2024, evidence he can manage pace, tyres, and pressure against established contenders.
Bearman’s P4 in Mexico and his Saudi GP stand‑in for Ferrari anchor Hinchcliffe’s confidence in his readiness.
He previously deputised for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, gaining direct exposure to Ferrari operations and procedures.
Rookie errors have appeared, but Hinchcliffe sees an upward trend marked by composure, execution, and learning rate under varied conditions.
Hamilton is contracted through 2026, setting a clear decision window for Ferrari’s succession planning.
Ferrari’s academy pathway, combined with Bearman’s Haas experience, creates a logical promotion route when a seat becomes available.
The competitive backdrop is tight. Lando Norris leads on 357 points, one ahead of Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen holds third on 321.
Charles Leclerc runs fifth, with Hamilton sixth. Ferrari sits second in the constructors’ standings, chasing McLaren as the season intensifies.
The title fight is finely poised, increasing scrutiny on driver performance and teams’ medium‑term roster choices.
Brazil and Las Vegas will test execution under pressure, informing both strategy and longer‑term driver evaluations up and down the grid.
If Bearman’s trajectory continues, he remains a credible successor, aligning performance potential with Ferrari’s preference for continuity and system fit.
Visual Summary
🚦Passing the Torch: Bearman Next?
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Hamilton navigates new Ferrari challenges
Contracted through 2026
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Bearman, 20, shines with P4 debut and strong growth
Ferrari reserve; Haas multi-year deal
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Hinchcliffe tips Bearman as Hamilton’s likely successor
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Norris
357pts
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Piastri
356pts
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Verstappen
321pts
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Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
