Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has raised doubts about Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari following a lackluster debut season. Steiner, aged 60, has suggested that promising young talent Oliver Bearman could potentially succeed Hamilton before the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s performance at Ferrari has sparked speculation due to his underwhelming start. Steiner anticipates that if Hamilton’s struggles persist into the next season, the seven-time world champion’s tenure with the Italian squad might end prematurely.
Bearman, who previously substituted for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last season, has a connection with Ferrari. Joining Ferrari’s Driving Academy in 2022, Bearman has impressed with his performances at Haas this year.
The rising English driver has often been touted as a probable heir to Hamilton’s position, a sentiment shared by Steiner. During a segment on ‘Gas or Brake’ in The Red Flags podcast, Steiner endorsed Bearman as a potential replacement for Hamilton.
Expressing his confidence in Bearman, Steiner emphasized the young driver’s progress and skill on the track. He highlighted Bearman’s recent strong showings and predicted that if Ferrari does not secure him a seat in 2027, he is likely to land a spot in a leading team due to his consistent and impressive performances.
Bearman’s recent form has seen him achieve points in the last four races, closing in on drivers like Isack Hadjar and Nico Hulkenberg in the Drivers’ Championship Standings. Despite Bearman’s success, Ferrari has faced a challenging season without a victory in 2025, while Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish after 21 races. In contrast, Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc has clinched seven podium finishes, a record surpassed only by Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen.
Steiner’s sentiments are mirrored by Sky Sports F1 pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, who believes Bearman’s promotion to Ferrari is inevitable. Kravitz, speaking on The F1 Show, confidently stated that Bearman will eventually take over Hamilton’s role at Ferrari.
Amidst the speculations surrounding his future, Hamilton has hinted at staying put, indicating that discussions about his contract are premature. Hamilton emphasized the length of his current contract and suggested that any renegotiations would not occur in the near future.
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