After two seasons with the Italian team, Ferrari will need to make a key decision regarding Lewis Hamilton’s future for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The seven-time World Champion has started the 2026 campaign with renewed pace and confidence, reigniting debates about whether he should remain with the Scuderia.
Hamilton struggled during his debut season with Ferrari in 2025, failing to secure a Grand Prix podium, although he did take a notable Sprint Race victory and added another Sprint Race podium to his tally. Those results, while encouraging, were not enough to fully convince critics that the British driver had adapted to his new team.
However, the start of 2026 has been markedly different. At the Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton finished in fourth place, demonstrating his ability to consistently run at the sharp end of the grid. He then followed up with a third-place finish in the Sprint Race in China, signaling that he is once again a genuine contender in Ferrari machinery.
Ferrari has a strong backup option in Oliver Bearman
With Lewis Hamilton showing this kind of form, Ferrari could be inclined to re-sign him for 2027 if he maintains consistent top performances. However, the team already has a talented young driver ready to step up should Lewis Hamilton falter. During the Sky Sports Italia broadcast of the first practice session at the Chinese Grand Prix, commentator Roberto Chinchero identified Oliver Bearman as a “strong backup option” for Ferrari.
Chinchero explained that the decision is more about Ferrari planning its long-term driver lineup than about Lewis Hamilton needing a new contract. He highlighted that Ollie Bearman is a ready-made alternative, capable of joining the team if circumstances change. However, the Italian journalist added that Lewis Hamilton’s impressive form in Melbourne compared to his 2025 season shifts the dynamics significantly, potentially reshaping Ferrari’s 2027 strategy entirely.
Charles Leclerc faces a resurgent Lewis Hamilton
The Chinese Grand Prix also showcased the renewed competitive edge of Lewis Hamilton. Former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve praised the British driver’s positive energy and determination after Hamilton secured third place in qualifying on Saturday.
Villeneuve also issued a warning to Charles Leclerc, noting that the seven-time F1 world champion is “almost unbeatable” despite his age. He emphasized that the Briton combines experience with sustained pace and energy, making him a formidable teammate. According to Villeneuve, the dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc is one of direct rivalry rather than mutual support, as both drivers are competing to establish themselves as Ferrari’s leading figure.
“Look at how aggressive they were towards each other,” Villeneuve explained. “Each of these drivers wants to be the Ferrari man, to make history. They aren’t here to help each other; they are here to compete, and that kind of internal rivalry pushes the team forward.”
As Ferrari weighs its options for 2027, Lewis Hamilton’s current form and competitive battles with Charles Leclerc may play a decisive role in determining whether the seven-time World Champion retains his seat or whether a young talent like Oliver Bearman is called up to challenge for a place at the Scuderia.
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