Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed doubts about Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari following a lackluster first season. Steiner believes that if Hamilton’s performance does not improve in the upcoming season, his time with the Italian team could be cut short sooner than expected.
Steiner has identified Oliver Bearman, a promising young talent, as a potential successor to Hamilton. Bearman, who previously stood in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last season, has impressed since joining Ferrari’s Driving Academy in 2022.
During a segment on The Red Flags podcast, Steiner endorsed Bearman as a worthy replacement for Hamilton if the need arises. He praised Bearman’s recent performances and solid driving skills, suggesting that the young driver could secure a top team seat in the future if not with Ferrari.
Bearman’s recent success on the track, scoring points in the last four races, has put him in a position to challenge higher-ranked drivers in the championship standings. Despite Hamilton’s struggles to secure a podium finish in the 2025 season, his teammate Charles Leclerc has managed seven podiums, showcasing strong performances alongside other top drivers.
Steiner’s sentiments are shared by Sky Sports F1 pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, who believes that Bearman’s promotion to Ferrari is inevitable. Kravitz has confidently stated that Bearman is likely to replace Hamilton at Ferrari in the future.
Despite the ongoing speculations surrounding his future, Hamilton has hinted that he is committed to his current contract with Ferrari. He mentioned that discussions about his future typically happen closer to the end of the contract term and indicated that he is not currently considering leaving the team.
In other news, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle, now offering additional streaming services and comprehensive coverage of Formula 1 races alongside other sports events. Viewers can enjoy live broadcasts of various sports events and exclusive content with this upgraded package.