Ferrari currently boast, on paper, one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the Formula 1 grid for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Charles Leclerc holds a long-term contract with Ferrari until 2029, making him the driver with the longest commitment on the current grid. His teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is signed until at least the end of the 2026 season, with an option to extend for an additional year following his transfer from Mercedes over the 2024–2025 winter break.
Lewis Hamilton retains the right to decide whether he wants to trigger the optional third year, which introduces some uncertainty regarding both his future at Ferrari and in Formula 1 in general. The British driver has yet to reach a full Grand Prix podium with Ferrari, not counting his Sprint Race appearances, and currently sits sixth in the drivers’ championship standings. After more than a decade at Mercedes, Hamilton has found adapting to the Maranello environment and the nuances of the SF-25 particularly challenging.
The Hungarian Grand Prix was arguably one of Hamilton’s toughest weekends so far, where he qualified 12th and finished in the same position. Following the event, he described his performance as “useless” and even hinted that Ferrari might be better off replacing him, sparking conversations across the paddock about his future.
Bernie Ecclestone urges Ferrari to consider Gabriel Bortoleto as their next driver
Although Ferrari are unlikely to give up on Lewis Hamilton easily, some journalists speculate that the 40-year-old could choose to retire from Formula 1 in 2025. With the upcoming 2026 technical regulations offering what could be his final opportunity to challenge for an eighth world championship, Hamilton’s performance next season may ultimately determine whether he continues in the sport.
Meanwhile, Ferrari are already eyeing the next generation of talent. Oliver Bearman, the British rookie, is being positioned as a potential successor, with the young driver already maintaining an apartment in Maranello. Bearman impressed Ferrari with his substitute appearances in 2024 and continued to show strong potential with Haas during his rookie 2025 season.
However, Ferrari have been advised to keep their options open. Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone had previously suggested that the Scuderia might “steal” French driver Isack Hadjar as a replacement for Hamilton. More recently, Ecclestone has identified a new candidate for consideration: Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Speaking to Blick, Ecclestone highlighted the Brazilian’s impressive performances in a midfield team like Sauber and urged Ferrari to act swiftly: he suggested that resolving the team’s next driver question should involve Bortoleto.
Gabriel Bortoleto emerges as a top Ferrari prospect
Gabriel Bortoleto is rapidly establishing himself as a rising star in Formula 1. He has been instrumental in helping Sauber climb from the back of the grid to a competitive midfield position. The young Brazilian driver has consistently outqualified his experienced teammate Nico Hülkenberg, and his appearances in Q3 have become increasingly routine.
To date, Gabriel Bortoleto has accumulated 14 points, with his best finish being sixth at the recent Hungarian Grand Prix. Manager Fernando Alonso has described him as the best rookie of his generation, and many within the Formula 1 paddock regard him as a driver destined for the top tier. Fans have also noted his ambitions, interpreting his love for the Imola circuit and preference for the color red as subtle hints that Ferrari has long been a goal for him.
As Formula 1 enters a new era with Audi in 2026, Gabriel Bortoleto represents a promising candidate for Ferrari, combining youth, speed, and adaptability. His trajectory suggests he could play a key role in shaping the Scuderia’s future once Lewis Hamilton decides to conclude his illustrious Formula 1 career.
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