Lewis Hamilton has yet to make his Ferrari debut, but the battle to eventually replace him is already heating up. Across the Formula 1 paddock—and even among rising stars outside the sport—many drivers would jump at the chance to take his place when the time comes.
Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari came with an initial two-year contract, including an option for an extension. This means he is committed through the final year of the current regulations, with hopes that Ferrari will be a serious title contender when Formula 1’s new rules take effect in 2026.
At 40, Hamilton remains as ambitious as ever. He has openly stated that securing an eighth world championship wouldn’t signal the end of his career; instead, he would want to capitalize on having the fastest car on the grid. However, the road ahead won’t be easy. With McLaren showing exceptional pace in pre-season and Max Verstappen’s ability to extract incredible performances from his Red Bull—even when the car isn’t at its best—Hamilton faces a tough challenge.
Regardless of his belief that he can continue racing at the highest level indefinitely, both he and Ferrari will eventually have to look at succession plans. Outpacing his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, will be no small feat, and there is no shortage of young talents eager for the opportunity to race alongside the Monegasque when Hamilton eventually steps aside.
As part of his 2025 season preview for Sky Sports F1, Anthony Davidson highlighted one particular driver who is already positioning himself as a strong candidate to take over Hamilton’s Ferrari seat in the future.
Oliver Bearman, now a Haas driver, has already had a taste of life in red. Last season, he stepped in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on short notice, delivering an impressive performance. Now, he has a golden opportunity to prove himself to Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur and make a compelling case for why he should be Hamilton’s successor when the time comes.
Anthony Davidson Backs Oliver Bearman as a Leading Candidate to Replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
Looking ahead to the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, the British former racing driver and broadcaster discussed Haas and, in particular, their new British driver, Oliver Bearman. He noted that it was beneficial for Bearman to already be familiar with the team, having previously raced with them. He also pointed out that Bearman’s connection to Ferrari made him a highly sought-after talent.
Anthony Davidson mentioned that Bearman would likely be keeping an eye on the developments within Ferrari, considering the possibility of a future opportunity there. With Lewis Hamilton, at 40, not being able to continue indefinitely, Anthony Davidson suggested that Bearman needed to strategically navigate his career to make the most of potential future openings.
According to Anthony Davidson, Ollie Bearman is in an ideal position to one day wear Ferrari’s red suit, making the upcoming season critical for his career. He also emphasized the value of having Esteban Ocon as a yardstick, noting Ocon’s reputation as a feisty and talented driver. Davidson concluded that consistently beating Ocon would be a significant accomplishment and would place the Ferrari junior in an excellent position for a future with the Maranello team.
Oliver Bearman Faces Tough Battle Against Esteban Ocon at Haas in 2025
Oliver Bearman, a prominent member of Ferrari’s driver academy for several years, is viewed as a strong contender to eventually replace Lewis Hamilton at the Scuderia, assuming his career progresses as expected. Bearman’s affiliation with Ferrari positions him well for a future in Formula 1, with many speculating that his next step could be into a race seat with the iconic Italian team.
Currently, Zhou Guanyu and Antonio Giovinazzi serve as the reserve drivers for the Ferrari-powered Sauber team, but it seems unlikely that either of them will secure a permanent race seat under team principal Frédéric Vasseur’s leadership. The focus for Ferrari, and for teams like Haas, is likely to shift towards preparing for the 2026 regulations, potentially sooner than many expect, as they look to capitalize on the major changes coming to Formula 1 in the coming years.
Haas made significant progress in 2024, marking a noticeable improvement in their overall performance. However, the team’s smaller size may mean that they have to redirect their focus to the 2026 season earlier than many of their larger competitors, adjusting their strategies for long-term growth.
For Bearman, his biggest challenge in 2025 will be the fierce competition from his teammate, Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman, a seasoned F1 race winner and one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, will be a tough opponent for the British youngster. With his reputation for being involved in collisions with teammates, Ocon’s competitive nature could lead to friction between the two drivers.
Bearman will need to prove himself early on, ensuring that he maintains a strong position in the race and stays far enough ahead of Ocon to avoid any on-track clashes. His ability to consistently outpace his more experienced teammate will be crucial to solidifying his future prospects, not just at Haas but within the wider F1 paddock.
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