Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari might be shorter than expected following a lackluster first season. Steiner, aged 60, has identified young talent Oliver Bearman as a potential successor to Hamilton, foreseeing a transition before the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s performance at Ferrari has sparked discussions about his future due to a slow start. Steiner speculates that if Hamilton’s underwhelming form persists into the next season, the seven-time world champion’s time with the Italian team could conclude prematurely.
Bearman, who filled in for Carlos Sainz at the 2022 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix and joined Ferrari’s Driving Academy this year, has impressed with Haas. Steiner, like many others, views Bearman as a strong candidate to fill Hamilton’s shoes in the future.
During a segment on ‘The Red Flags podcast,’ Steiner voiced his support for Bearman, emphasizing the young driver’s capabilities and potential to excel. Bearman’s recent string of strong performances, including scoring points in his last four races, has positioned him on the brink of surpassing seasoned drivers like Isack Hadjar and Nico Hulkenberg in the Drivers’ Championship Standings.
Despite Hamilton’s struggles to secure a podium finish in the 2025 season, his teammate Charles Leclerc has achieved notable success with seven podium placements. The mood within the Ferrari team remains somber amid a disappointing season marked by a lack of victories.
The sentiment shared by Steiner is echoed by Sky Sports F1 pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, who strongly believes in Bearman’s eventual promotion to Ferrari. Kravitz, speaking on ‘The F1 Show,’ confidently asserts that Bearman is destined to step into Hamilton’s role at Ferrari in due course.
Hamilton, addressing the speculation surrounding his future, has hinted at staying with Ferrari for the foreseeable future, citing his existing contract. Despite ongoing rumors, Hamilton emphasized that discussions about his contract renewal are premature at this stage.
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