Ferrari’s long-term Formula 1 driver plans appear to be evolving rapidly, with fresh speculation suggesting the Scuderia has significantly revised its shortlist of potential successors to Lewis Hamilton. While the seven-time world champion remains central to Ferrari’s project for now, the constantly shifting F1 driver market means Maranello is inevitably evaluating what comes next.
For months, Oliver Bearman had been viewed as the most natural long-term candidate to eventually step into a Ferrari race seat. The British driver’s close relationship with the Ferrari Driver Academy, combined with his promising Formula 1 performances, made him the obvious internal option. However, earlier reports had also linked Ferrari with ambitious external possibilities, including McLaren stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while highly rated junior Rafael Camara was also mentioned as a future prospect following his rapid rise through the junior ranks.
Max Verstappen changes Ferrari’s transfer market equation
The biggest development in the Formula 1 driver market has been the growing uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future. After a difficult and inconsistent start to the season for the Milton Keynes-based team, speculation has intensified that contractual mechanisms could allow the Dutch driver to consider alternative options if performance targets are not met.
That possibility naturally changes the landscape for every top Formula 1 team, including Ferrari. A driver of Max Verstappen’s calibre would instantly become a priority target for any constructor seeking championship dominance. While no concrete negotiations have been publicly confirmed, Ferrari would be expected to closely monitor any scenario involving the reigning world champion becoming available.
At the same time, Carlos Sainz has reportedly re-entered the conversation as a potential future option. The Spaniard’s departure from Ferrari at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season was one of the biggest driver market stories of the era, as Ferrari chose to pair Lewis Hamilton with Charles Leclerc. But Formula 1 is rarely predictable, and should the Williams project fail to deliver meaningful progress, Carlos Sainz could find himself reassessing his long-term future.
What happened to Ferrari’s previous targets?
As Ferrari’s priorities shift, several previously discussed names appear to have faded from realistic contention. Oscar Piastri’s future could be closely tied to Red Bull’s plans, particularly if Max Verstappen were to leave, making the Australian a logical target elsewhere. Lando Norris, meanwhile, appears far less attainable given McLaren’s long-term direction and strategic investment in its current lineup.
Rafael Camara remains one of Ferrari’s brightest academy prospects, but the Brazilian’s development path is expected to be managed more gradually. Rather than being rushed into immediate Formula 1 contention, a progression similar to Oliver Bearman’s route appears far more likely, allowing Ferrari to properly evaluate his long-term readiness.
When could Lewis Hamilton leave Ferrari?
Despite recurring online rumours about a potential retirement announcement, there is currently little indication that Lewis Hamilton is preparing to leave Formula 1 in the immediate future. The British driver remains contractually tied to Ferrari through at least the end of the 2027 Formula 1 season, even if the precise details of the agreement have not been fully disclosed publicly.
That said, Ferrari’s long-term planning will inevitably depend on performance trends. Charles Leclerc continues to establish himself as the team’s benchmark in qualifying pace and overall integration within the Scuderia environment, while Lewis Hamilton continues adapting to the unique demands of Ferrari machinery and culture.
If Lewis Hamilton remains competitive but unable to consistently match Charles Leclerc over the coming seasons, Ferrari could eventually accelerate succession planning sooner than initially expected. However, another scenario remains equally plausible: the Briton extending his Formula 1 career beyond Ferrari, following a path similar to Fernando Alonso’s remarkable longevity.
One factor that continues to shape Lewis Hamilton’s long-term thinking is his well-known desire to race in a future Formula 1 Grand Prix in Africa, a milestone that could yet influence the timing of any retirement decision.
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