Ferrari monitor Gabriel Bortoleto as potential Lewis Hamilton successor amid F1 uncertainties
Even though Lewis Hamilton has only recently joined Ferrari, the Scuderia are already considering long-term succession planning for when the seven-time world champion eventually retires from Formula 1. With the Briton now competing in his 18th consecutive F1 season, only Fernando Alonso has started more races in modern F1 history.
Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has not unfolded as either he or the team had envisioned. Heading into the United States Grand Prix, the 40-year-old driver is still awaiting his first podium finish with the Italian team. Meanwhile, teammate Charles Leclerc has expressed skepticism about Ferrari’s ability to claim a race victory this season, suggesting that a win before the end of 2025 is highly unlikely.
With major Formula 1 regulation changes set for 2026, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc view the next season as a critical opportunity to contend for championship titles. However, uncertainty around Leclerc’s future with the team and the possibility that Hamilton could retire at any moment has prompted Ferrari to begin exploring potential replacements for their star drivers.
Nelson Piquet Jr. highlights Ferrari’s interest in Gabriel Bortoleto
Nelson Piquet Jr. recently discussed the evolving F1 driver market on the Pelas Pistas Podcast, highlighting Ferrari’s attention on rising talents such as Gabriel Bortoleto. Piquet suggested that if Hamilton were to step away from the sport, Ferrari could approach Sauber regarding Gabriel Bortoleto as a future replacement. He noted that Ferrari’s data and close relationship with Sauber have made the Brazilian driver increasingly visible on their radar.
Piquet explained: “I think Ferrari is the way forward for him. I don’t know if it’s because of this year’s connection with the Ferrari engines he’s using at Sauber. Next year it won’t be anymore, right? But sometimes they see something in him, because they have the data, right? They have a certain connection with Sauber, and because of the work he’s done this year, obviously, he’s definitely on their radar. So I think that if, for any reason, something happened to Hamilton, he would leave. I think there’s a good chance Ferrari would knock on Audi’s door at Sauber and say, when do you want us to take the boy?”
Bortoleto sets sights on strong performance at United States GP
Bortoleto’s name has emerged amid discussions over both Hamilton and Leclerc’s uncertain futures, although he remains firmly committed to Sauber and Audi’s long-term F1 project. F1 journalist Ted Kravitz has emphasized that Gabriel Bortoleto is focused on his development within Sauber, even as all top teams continue to monitor the Brazilian closely. This season, the Sauber man has particularly impressed in qualifying sessions, frequently outperforming his experienced teammate Nico Hülkenberg.
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Gabriel Bortoleto spoke about his first Austin event in an official pre-race statement. He said: “I’m really looking forward to racing in Austin: it’s one of those circuits you always hear good things about, and I’ve been preparing for it at the sim. We’ve done our homework since Singapore, and we are prepared for the upcoming weekend. Of course, we’ll need to make the most of the single practice session to get familiar with the track and fine-tune our car, but if we stay sharp and take our chances, I am confident we can put together a decent performance.”
Strong 2026 campaign could make Gabriel Bortoleto a Ferrari candidate
While the Brazilian is unlikely to switch teams in the immediate future, a standout 2026 season following a promising debut with Sauber could cement his status as a serious contender for a Ferrari seat. With both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc facing uncertain long-term prospects, Ferrari are increasingly evaluating the next generation of drivers capable of securing their competitive future in Formula 1. Gabriel Bortoleto’s progression this season has not only highlighted his talent but also placed him firmly on the radar of top teams aiming to plan ahead for the post-Hamilton era.
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