Ferrari’s post-Hamilton plans: No interest in Max Verstappen, potential comeback for ex-Scuderia driver. Ferrari is unlikely to replace Lewis Hamilton with Max Verstappen.

If Lewis Hamilton were to leave Scuderia Ferrari, the Italian team would reportedly not be interested in pursuing Max Verstappen as his replacement. Instead, they might consider the sensational prospect of bringing back a former driver.

At present, the likelihood of Lewis Hamilton bidding farewell to Ferrari is considered lower than the probability of seeing Max Verstappen join Mercedes as early as 2026. Despite making some particularly strong and outspoken remarks in recent weeks, the British driver is still expected to see out the natural expiry date of his current contract with the Maranello-based team.

Only once that date arrives will both parties sit down to discuss whether to continue their collaboration or to bring an end to what is already regarded, regardless of the eventual outcome, as one of the most spectacular and talked-about partnerships in the history of Formula 1. In this context, much will depend on the level of competitiveness of the car Ferrari will put on track in the 2026 season. Very little information has so far emerged from Maranello regarding the next year’s single-seater, but the hope among the passionate Ferrari supporters, known worldwide as the Tifosi, is that the Prancing Horse will return to fighting for the World Championship under the new regulations.

Potential Ferrari choices to replace Lewis Hamilton
If Lewis Hamilton were to depart earlier than expected, who would Ferrari turn to as a replacement? Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert, in an interview with Grosvenor Casino, provided his assessment of the options currently available to the Italian squad. He stated that he did not believe Max Verstappen would be the one to step into Lewis Hamilton’s seat once the seven-time World Champion leaves. In Johnny Herbert’s opinion, Ferrari would be more likely to either opt for a younger talent or consider bringing back a driver such as Carlos Sainz.

According to Johnny Herbert, Carlos Sainz would be an obvious and willing choice, given that he is currently struggling more than anticipated at Williams. The Spaniard, who drove for Ferrari from 2021 to 2024, performed strongly during his time in Maranello and, in Herbert’s words, was almost on par in terms of performance with Charles Leclerc. The former driver suggested that Carlos Sainz would have no hesitation in accepting a return to the Scuderia should the opportunity arise.