Lewis Hamilton could remain with Ferrari for another two or three years if his current form continues, according to former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, potentially complicating the route to Maranello for Oliver Bearman and Rafael Camara. The possibility of a Lewis Hamilton Ferrari contract extension would give the Scuderia continuity with its seven-time world champion, but it could also leave two highly rated young drivers waiting for an opportunity that may not arrive at the ideal moment.
Questions over Hamilton’s long-term future became more prominent during his difficult previous season, when retirement appeared a more plausible possibility. His improved confidence and stronger results have changed that conversation, however, and Montoya now believes the British driver is unlikely to walk away if Ferrari continues to perform competitively.
Juan Pablo Montoya expects Lewis Hamilton to remain at Ferrari
Speaking on the AS Colombia podcast, Juan Pablo Montoya argued that Lewis Hamilton could continue racing for Ferrari for another two or three seasons. The former Williams driver believes retirement is unlikely while Hamilton remains competitive and the Maranello team continues producing results that give him reason to stay.
That scenario would represent a notable change from the uncertainty that surrounded the seven-time world champion during his struggles. Ferrari’s current driver situation has already attracted considerable attention, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc occupying the two seats while the broader 2026 Formula 1 driver market continues to evolve around them.
Recent form also gives the discussion greater relevance. Hamilton reached the summer break as Ferrari’s leading championship challenger, and his historically strong second-half performances have already strengthened the debate over how Ferrari should manage his 2026 title campaign. If that momentum continues, the case for extending the partnership could become stronger rather than weaker.
Hamilton contract extension could affect Oliver Bearman and Rafael Camara
The other side of the equation concerns Ferrari’s younger drivers. Oliver Bearman and Rafael Camara are both presented as potential future candidates for a race seat with the Scuderia, meaning a longer Hamilton stay would reduce the short-term availability of one of the most coveted places on the Formula 1 grid.
Montoya believes timing could become decisive. If Hamilton remains for another two or three years, Ferrari may eventually find itself evaluating several generations of young talent at once. A driver who appears to be the obvious successor today could face a very different competitive landscape by the time a seat actually becomes available.
Using Camara as an example, Montoya suggested that if the Brazilian reaches Formula 1 and becomes the more attractive option at precisely the right moment, Bearman could find that his own opportunity has passed. In the Colombian’s view, career progression at this level depends not only on ability but also on how appealing a driver is when a top-team vacancy finally opens.
Ferrari could face a difficult succession decision
For the moment, Ferrari does not need to make that choice. Hamilton remains central to the team’s current championship ambitions, while the prospects of Bearman and Camara concern a longer-term succession question rather than an immediate driver change.
Montoya’s assessment nevertheless highlights the potential consequence of Hamilton returning to sustained competitive form. Every additional season the Briton spends at Maranello could narrow the window for Ferrari’s young prospects, particularly if only one eventually emerges as the preferred successor.
The decision would ultimately depend on circumstances that have yet to be resolved: Hamilton’s performances, Ferrari’s competitiveness and the development of the drivers hoping to follow him. For now, Montoya sees retirement moving further away, and that alone could significantly reshape Ferrari’s future driver planning.
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