Rumours had suggested that Bearman was ready to join Ferrari, but now it seems that the new driver who will replace Lewis Hamilton could be George Russell.
According to reports from the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, Oliver Bearman does not appear to be the driver who will partner Charles Leclerc at Ferrari for the 2026 season. Despite earlier speculation placing him as the favourite for the red seat, the latest rumour suggests that the Scuderia might be looking elsewhere for its second driver. The name emerging is George Russell, currently at Mercedes, who, according to Corriere della Sera, could sign with Ferrari at the end of 2026.
No Ferrari seat for Bearman?
Bearman, born in 2005, is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in international motorsport and has often been mentioned as an ideal candidate for Ferrari. However, the latest reports point to a different direction. After his impressive Formula 1 debut with Ferrari as Carlos Sainz’s replacement at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bearman has continued to build a solid reputation in the paddock. He is currently racing full-time with Haas in his first complete F1 season in 2025. The young British driver, backed by the Ferrari Driver Academy, has already demonstrated maturity and impressive speed, earning valuable points and catching the attention of many within the sport.
Russell at Ferrari could reshape the driver market
The entire 2026 driver market could change dramatically. The situation for Bearman has also become more complicated, especially after he drew attention in recent races with consistently improving performances for Haas. If the collaboration with Hamilton were to end at the conclusion of his contract, Ferrari would open a particularly intriguing new chapter. According to Corriere della Sera, George Russell’s name stands out as the ideal option to ensure continuity in the Scuderia’s technical project. The British driver combines youth, talent, and consistency — qualities that make him a perfect candidate to lead Ferrari’s new era.
