Hamilton’s Ferrari Nightmare: Record-Breaking Podium Drought and Uncertain Future as Bearman Readies to Take Over
Lewis Hamilton’s time at Ferrari has not lived up to the team’s high expectations since his arrival in 2025. While Hamilton is widely considered one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, his performance at Ferrari has been underwhelming, especially when compared to his predecessor, Carlos Sainz. In fact, Hamilton recently set an unfortunate record by failing to score a podium finish in his 21st race for Ferrari, surpassing the previous mark for the most races without a podium for the team. The Brazilian Grand Prix was yet another missed opportunity for Hamilton.
Despite being only one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc in the standings, Hamilton finds himself 66 points adrift. His struggles are evident in head-to-head stats, with Leclerc leading him 16-5 in qualifying and 15-3 in race finishes when both drivers are classified. Hamilton’s form has raised questions about his future with Ferrari, with pundits and insiders speculating that his contract could soon come to an end.
Ted Kravitz, speaking on Sky Sports’ F1 Show, has strongly suggested that Oliver Bearman, currently driving for Haas, will eventually replace Hamilton at Ferrari. While Bearman isn’t expected to be available until 2027, Kravitz believes it’s only a matter of time before Ferrari makes the switch. Additionally, other drivers like Oscar Piastri and even a potential return for Carlos Sainz have been linked to Ferrari in the coming years.
Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari is believed to last for three years, though there are rumors that it includes release clauses, allowing him to depart early without a pay-off if the situation becomes untenable. With Ferrari reportedly not keen on renewing his deal, Hamilton’s future in red looks uncertain, and Bearman may be the team’s long-term solution.
