As Lewis Hamilton approaches his 20th year in Formula 1, he is set to compete in his 400th Grand Prix next season, this time wearing the iconic Ferrari colors. This milestone highlights the extraordinary longevity of the seven-time world champion, a record only surpassed by Fernando Alonso. After a highly successful period at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari last year, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
It is widely reported that Lewis Hamilton holds the option to extend his Ferrari contract, potentially keeping him on the grid until the end of 2027. Despite this, Ferrari must already begin strategizing for the eventual day when the British driver steps away from the team, ensuring a smooth succession plan for one of the most decorated talents in Formula 1 history.
James Allen has publicly stated that Lewis Hamilton is unlikely to race for another team once his Ferrari tenure concludes. However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is understood to be evaluating several potential replacements, ready to act when the opportunity arises.
Among the candidates, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has frequently been linked to the Scuderia, while former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has suggested Gabriel Bortoleto could be a future Ferrari driver following an impressive debut season with Sauber. Yet former Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers believes Haas teenager Oliver Bearman has already shown the qualities necessary to succeed Hamilton at Ferrari one day.
Christijan Albers praises Oliver Bearman as a future Ferrari star
Speaking on De Telegraaf’s F1 Podcast after the United States Grand Prix, Christijan Albers highlighted several standout performers outside the top teams, placing particular emphasis on the young British driver. He described Ollie Bearman as an “exceptional talent” and suggested he would make a “fantastic successor” to Hamilton when the time comes.
Albers explained that Ollie Bearman’s pace and performance relative to his more experienced teammates demonstrate his readiness for a top team. In qualifying sessions, he consistently outperforms peers, showing a maturity and speed beyond his years. Christijan Albers emphasized that Oliver Bearman’s ability to push the car to its limits underlines why he is considered a future Ferrari prospect.
Hamilton and peers acknowledge Bearman’s potential
Oliver Bearman currently sits 18th in the drivers’ championship, just 10 points behind teammate Esteban Ocon, and has frequently outscored the French driver since the Dutch Grand Prix. His sixth-place finish at Zandvoort marked a significant achievement, complementing back-to-back points finishes for the first time this season. Even with setbacks, such as the 10-place grid penalty at the British Grand Prix for a red flag infringement, Oliver Bearman has consistently shown resilience and speed.
Lewis Hamilton has publicly praised the young British driver, calling him a “bright talent” and noting his impressive performance earlier in the season at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Hamilton highlighted that Ollie Bearman exemplifies the depth of young talent emerging from the UK, reinforcing the strength of British motorsport. Mercedes teammate George Russell echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Ferrari junior’s skill and potential to thrive at the highest level.
Ferrari succession planning and Bearman’s path
Ollie Bearman’s connection with the Maranello team makes him a natural candidate to succeed Lewis Hamilton in the future, though Fred Vasseur has made it clear that the team will only promote him if he proves to be the best available option. This reality provides strong motivation for Bearman to continue excelling at Haas this season, demonstrating the pace, consistency, and maturity required to take over the legendary seat at Maranello when Hamilton eventually retires.
With Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari era well underway, attention is now turning to the next generation of drivers ready to inherit his legacy. Among them, Oliver Bearman stands out as a highly promising prospect, capable of continuing the Scuderia’s pursuit of championship glory for years to come.
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