Fred Vasseur identifies potential Ferrari replacements if Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc depart. Ferrari draws up shortlist of four drivers to succeed Lewis Hamilton.

Fred Vasseur draws up Ferrari 2027 shortlist in case Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc leave

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is fully aware that one of his two star drivers could depart at the end of the 2026 season. Uncertainty surrounds Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, although the reasons behind each situation are very different.

Lewis Hamilton has a Ferrari contract extending to the end of 2027, but reports suggest that the third year of his deal may not be fully guaranteed. After a challenging 2025 campaign, many insiders believe it would be difficult to envision the seven-time world champion remaining if another difficult season unfolds. In such a scenario, both Hamilton and Ferrari might have little appetite to continue.

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc performed impressively in 2025, claiming seven podiums despite driving a fundamentally flawed car. However, his ambition has pushed him to evaluate his future at Ferrari. Leclerc has reportedly told the Scuderia that it is ‘now or never’, signaling that he may explore opportunities elsewhere to enhance his championship prospects.

It’s important to note that Ferrari are unlikely to overhaul their entire driver lineup. If Charles Leclerc decides to leave, it is probable that Lewis Hamilton would stay to maintain continuity within the team.

McLaren drivers feature on Fred Vasseur’s 2027 Ferrari shortlist

As reported by AS-Web, Lewis Hamilton, who turned 41 recently, could also choose to retire at the end of 2026. In anticipation of this possibility, Fred Vasseur has identified four potential replacements for the Ferrari seat.

The first, and most obvious candidate, is Oliver Bearman. The Briton, currently racing at Haas as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, has been earmarked for a future seat after an impressive rookie season in Formula 1.

Another internal option, though less likely, is Rafael Camara. Camara, who secured the Formula 3 title in 2025, is set to move up to Formula 2 in 2026. Fred Vasseur has expressed very high hopes for the Brazilian talent, but it is more probable that he starts his top-level career in the midfield before progressing further.

Turning to the broader market, Fred Vasseur is closely monitoring McLaren to evaluate whether either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri might be open to a Ferrari move. A bold approach could see one of these McLaren drivers join the Scuderia in 2027.

Ferrari already pursued Lando Norris, but Oscar Piastri seems more realistic

Ferrari previously explored the possibility of signing Lando Norris, but the Briton has recently become McLaren’s first F1 champion since 2008. While a move cannot be entirely ruled out—given the fast-changing landscape of Formula 1—it seems less likely at this stage.

Oscar Piastri, on the other hand, presents a more viable target. Last season, The Australian narrowly missed out on the championship to Lando Norris by just 13 points and faced controversial team orders under McLaren’s management strategy. Ferrari have already been linked to Oscar Piastri and could represent his best alternative should he seek a move away from Woking. The feasibility of this transfer will depend heavily on the comparative performance of Ferrari and McLaren under the new 2026 regulations.

Oscar Piastri’s current contract runs until the end of 2028 following an extension last March, but most F1 contracts include clauses that allow drivers to negotiate exits in the event of a major regulation change, making a Ferrari move a potential reality.