Since joining Scuderia Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton has faced challenges in meeting the high expectations associated with his reputation as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers. Despite his record-breaking career, statistical comparisons indicate that Lewis Hamilton has underperformed relative to his predecessor Carlos Sainz, particularly in terms of podium finishes and consistency.
Lewis Hamilton has now set an unwanted record for Ferrari by missing out on a podium for the 21st time, with his performance at the recent Brazilian Grand Prix marking another lost opportunity. While the 40-year-old currently sits just one position behind Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ standings, the points gap has widened to 66, highlighting the challenges he has faced in keeping pace with his teammate. In qualifying, Charles Leclerc leads Lewis Hamilton 16-5, while race results show a 15-3 advantage for the Monegasque when both drivers are classified.
The Briton has also struggled to reach Q3, missing out six times this season in standard qualifying sessions, and eight times if Sprint sessions are included. These performance gaps have fueled speculation about his long-term future with Ferrari, prompting questions about whether the seven-time world champion will remain at Maranello beyond his current contract.
Ted Kravitz predicts Oliver Bearman will succeed Hamilton
F1 journalist Ted Kravitz discussed Lewis Hamilton’s future on the Sky Sports F1 Show, expressing strong confidence that Haas driver Oliver Bearman will eventually take over the seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s seat at Ferrari. Ted Kravitz framed the transition as inevitable, suggesting it is only a matter of timing rather than possibility.
While Haas maintain that Ollie Bearman will not be available until 2027, Ted Kravitz believes Ferrari will honour Lewis Hamilton’s current contract and allow the situation to unfold naturally. He drew parallels with Charles Leclerc, who spent his rookie season with Alfa Romeo Sauber — an engine partner for Ferrari — before being promoted to the Scuderia in 2019. Similarly, Ferrari have cultivated junior drivers like Oscar Piastri and could consider re-signing Sainz if circumstances align, but Bearman remains the expected successor.
According to Kravitz, Ferrari’s approach reflects their traditional strategy of developing talent externally before bringing them into the main team. He explained that Haas insist the Ferrari junior is committed for 2026, which allows Ferrari to complete Lewis Hamilton’s contract while preparing Ollie Bearman for a future role.
Understanding Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari contract
The Formula 1 paddock widely assumes that Ferrari is unlikely to renew Hamilton’s contract once it expires. While the official duration has not been confirmed by the team, reports indicate that the deal spans three years. Lewis Hamilton’s contract reportedly includes release clauses, giving him the option to leave early without financial penalty if the partnership becomes untenable.
Kravitz compared the situation to George Russell, who spent three years at Williams before being promoted to Mercedes to replace Valtteri Bottas. Similarly, Ollie Bearman may need to be patient, with Ferrari’s long-term plan likely to integrate him once Lewis Hamilton’s tenure concludes, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity within the team.
In summary, while Lewis Hamilton remains a marquee figure at Ferrari, his recent struggles have raised doubts over his future at Maranello. Industry experts like Ted Kravitz anticipate that Oliver Bearman will eventually step into the iconic seat, continuing Ferrari’s tradition of grooming promising talent through their junior programs and engine partner teams.
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