Ferrari ready for Lewis Hamilton’s retirement even before 2025 debut

Scuderia Ferrari has seemingly prepared plans for a future beyond Lewis Hamilton as the Briton joins the team next season.

Ferrari ready for Lewis Hamilton’s retirement even before 2025 debut

Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur (images via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton will be making his highly-anticipated debut for Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion will leave Mercedes after over a decade to fulfill his dream of racing for the Prancing Horse. However, it seems that Ferrari has prepared its plans for a future beyond Hamilton.

The 39-year-old joins Ferrari on a massive deal that reportedly covers 2025 and 2026. Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that he aims to win a record-breaking eighth F1 world title with the Maranello-based squad. The Briton has already expressed his excitement towards his future with the Scuderia.

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Ferrari is the most successful name in the history of motorsport. It is thus no surprise that the Italian team is ready to deal with any situation. Maranello seemingly has a driver in the pipeline to replace Hamilton if the need arises.

Oliver Bearman could be Lewis Hamilton’s replacement in near future

19-year-old Oliver Bearman made headlines after scoring points on his F1 debut when he replaced Carlos Sainz for the Saudi Arabian GP. Many in the paddock consider Bearman as a potential future world champion. Subsequently, the F2 driver was given a contract with Haas for 2025.

Oliver Bearman (via IMAGO)
Oliver Bearman (via IMAGO)

It is clear that Ferrari is interested in having Oliver Bearman race at Maranello in the future. Charles Leclerc still has many more years in the sport and it is unlikely that he would leave for a rival team anytime soon. On the other hand, 39-year-old Lewis Hamilton could realistically decide to bid farewell to the sport altogether after 2026. Although, Hamilton has not given any hint on such a decision yet.

This would pave the way for Oliver Bearman to join Ferrari as early as 2027. The 19-year-old would’ve gained ample experience in the midfield by then. As such, the Scuderia could build the team around Bearman as its long-term prospect for the future.

It must be noted that Ferrari has not made any direct comments over having Bearman as Hamilton’s future replacement. However, it is clear that the Scuderia wants the 19-year-old at the Italian team soon. Oliver Bearman simply needs to match expectations at Haas next season to safeguard his future.