Lewis Hamilton won’t feel pressure yet : more work needed for Ollie Bearman before Ferrari promotion

Lewis Hamilton’s uncertain Ferrari future and the growing talk of his potential successor

Speculation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 future has intensified as the seven-time world champion continues to search for success with Ferrari. The 2025 campaign has been far from what the British driver or the Italian team had envisioned, with Hamilton currently sitting sixth in the drivers’ standings. His move to Maranello was expected to reignite his title hopes, but both sides have struggled to find the right balance between performance, confidence, and adaptability.

For Hamilton, the challenge has been twofold. On one hand, Ferrari’s SF-25 has not delivered the consistency or pace needed to fight for victories. On the other, the transition from Mercedes machinery has taken longer than anticipated. The veteran admitted earlier in the year that understanding the nuances of Ferrari’s setup and aerodynamic behaviour has been a complex process, particularly under high-downforce conditions.

The pressure builds ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes

As the sport prepares for the major 2026 F1 regulation overhaul, Hamilton’s focus is now on helping Ferrari develop a package capable of challenging Red Bull and McLaren. Many in the paddock see this next cycle as his last realistic chance to capture an elusive eighth world title before potentially stepping away from Formula 1.

Ferrari’s leadership, meanwhile, is under pressure to deliver a car that can match Lewis Hamilton’s ambitions. Since 2008, the Scuderia have failed to win a championship, a drought that has seen multiple managerial changes and numerous false dawns. The arrival of a driver of Lewis Hamilton’s calibre was supposed to be the final catalyst to return the team to title contention, yet progress remains incremental at best.

Oliver Bearman not yet ready to challenge for Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari seat

Amid growing speculation about Oliver Bearman’s future, Ferrari fans and insiders alike have debated whether the young Briton could eventually replace Lewis Hamilton in the near future. However, Dutch F1 commentator Nelson Valkenburg believes that Bearman still has considerable development ahead of him before being considered for a full-time seat in Maranello.

Speaking on The Race’s F1 Podcast, Valkenburg noted that Ollie Bearman’s path to Ferrari was far from guaranteed. He explained that the rookie has shown speed and promise but still needs to prove his consistency over a full season. According to the commentator, Haas is the right environment for Bearman to continue maturing, without the immense pressure that comes with driving for Ferrari. The young Briton, he suggested, must first master the fundamentals, gain experience across varying conditions, and refine his racecraft before taking the next step.

This analysis will no doubt offer Lewis Hamilton some relief. With Ferrari unlikely to rush Ollie Bearman’s promotion, the veteran’s position at the team appears secure in the short term. For now, all attention remains on the upcoming regulation changes and Ferrari’s ability to provide a competitive package.

Hamilton showing subtle but positive signs of progress

Although the 2025 season has been disappointing for Hamilton by his usual standards, recent performances suggest that the Briton is beginning to adapt to Ferrari’s car characteristics. In Mexico, he displayed encouraging qualifying pace and could have been in podium contention had early-race incidents not compromised his chances. His consistency in race conditions has improved significantly, with fewer errors and a steadier approach to extracting performance from a difficult package.

Observers have noted that Hamilton’s driving has become more methodical, prioritizing tire management and precision over outright aggression. Despite the lack of standout results, his ability to keep scoring points has been crucial in maintaining Ferrari’s fight for second place in the constructors’ championship.

A crucial winter ahead for Ferrari and Hamilton

Behind the scenes, discussions about Ferrari’s technical direction are ongoing. One possible change could involve Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer, as the team looks for ways to fine-tune communication and strategy execution. The right partnership could unlock additional pace and confidence — something Lewis Hamilton desperately needs to consistently challenge teammate Charles Leclerc.

Ultimately, Ferrari’s 2026 project will determine how history remembers this chapter of Lewis Hamilton’s career. If the Scuderia can deliver a car that complements his driving style, he could yet mount one final championship push. If not, it might mark the closing act of one of Formula 1’s most storied journeys — one where ambition, timing, and machinery didn’t always align.

For now, though, Lewis Hamilton remains a central figure at Ferrari, balancing experience with determination, as both he and the team prepare for a critical turning point in their Formula 1 story.