Ex-FIA Steward Hints Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari Already Discussing Ending Briton’s Tenure

Johnny Herbert reckoned that Lewis Hamilton might already have decided on leaving Ferrera amid a disastrous 2025 campaign.

Ex-FIA Steward Hints Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari Already Discussing Ending Briton’s Tenure

Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur (via Reuters)

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Lewis Hamilton‘s highly-anticipated move to Scuderia Ferrari has not paid off so far. The seven-time world champion joined Maranello with high ambitions. Unfortunately, after the first half of his maiden season for the Italian, Hamilton has almost nothing to show for. Now, former F1 driver and FIA Steward Johnny Herbert has predicted a brutal possibility.

The situation at Maranello has only been getting worse. Lewis Hamilton is not even close to grabbing a podium for the Scuderia. So much so, the seven-time world champion has admitted that he is turning out to be ‘absolutely useless’ for Maranello. Hamilton has even urged Ferrari to find a better driver to replace him if things continue like this.

Johnny Herbert has kept a close eye on the developments within the team. The F1 pundit was perplexed to hear Lewis Hamilton’s constant rants in recent weeks. He reckoned that if Hamilton is urging the team to find a replacement, perhaps the two sides have already discussed this possibility behind-the-scenes. Herbert reckoned that the 40-year-old has instructed Maranello to keep a second driver ready for 2026. The F1 champion and Ferrari might decide to part ways if things do not improve in the coming weeks.

When Hamilton said [things are going on behind the scenes], I’m not sure what that meant. One way of reading it is that there has been talk already about changing the driver. Is that something that’s already been spoken about? Maybe it’s been mentioned if things don’t get better, you need to get yourself in a position where you’ve got the next driver ready for next year. Maybe they [Hamilton and Ferrari] are both saying that if it doesn’t work, the time is here, the time has come [to part ways].

Johnny Herbert told a betting site

Johnny Herbert names shock Lewis Hamilton replacement at Ferrari

While speculation remains on Lewis Hamilton’s future at the Italian team, it is unclear who could potentially fill in the shoes left by the seven-time world champion at Maranello. Johnny Herbert reckoned that the Scuderia might sign an unlikely candidate.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen is undoubtedly the biggest name in the F1 paddock. However, Herbert insisted that it would be highly unlikely that the Dutchman would consider joining the Italian team. Rather, he recalled watching an interview of Carlos Sainz where the Spaniard was open to returning to Maranello. Sainz was the one who was ousted by Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton this year. He had joined the Scuderia in 2021. Presently, Carlos Sainz is racing for Williams.

I don’t think it would be Verstappen [chosen to replace Hamilton]. It could be one of the younger drivers, I guess. But I saw a little interview with Carlos Sainz and when asked if he would go back to Ferrari, he replied: ‘Yeah, maybe!’ Carlos was doing an absolutely brilliant job and was really keeping Charles under control. He’s still young. He’s still doing a good job, even if he’s struggling with Williams a bit.

Johnny Herbert added

Certainly, Ferrari must prepare a backup plan in case Lewis Hamilton does decide to leave the team before his contract ends. So far, the Italian team has shown no signs of such a possibility, but Hamilton’s comments do raise such a doubt. The next few races might play a decisive role in the Briton’s situation.

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