Lewis Hamilton’s Future at Ferrari Suddenly Uncertain
Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari has become a topic of intense speculation. With his contract running only through the end of 2026, ESPN reports that Ferrari is not planning to extend the seven-time world champion’s deal beyond that point.
### A Long-Term Project That’s Struggling to Click
When Hamilton arrived at Maranello, he expected to embark on a long-term project. The veteran driver signed a two-year deal reportedly worth around $87 million, stepping in to replace Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc. Ferrari finished just 14 points behind McLaren in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, and Hamilton’s vast experience was anticipated to help bridge that gap.
However, so far, Hamilton has struggled to deliver the expected results. After 20 Grands Prix in what has become arguably the most difficult season of his career, he has yet to claim a podium finish. This lack of success has prompted Ferrari’s board to carefully evaluate their commitment to him long-term, especially as the team and driver continue to search for a compatible working relationship.
According to ESPN, “several senior paddock figures have suggested that the seven-time world champion will not be offered another contract when his expires at the end of 2026 given his performances.” While this prediction may be premature, what is clear is that the pairing between the British driver and the Italian team has not clicked this year.
### Charles Leclerc Carrying the Load
Charles Leclerc has shouldered much of Ferrari’s success throughout the 2024 season. The Monegasque driver has contributed all seven of Ferrari’s podiums and amassed 210 points, compared to Hamilton’s 146. Along with concerns emerging from within the garage about communication and strategic direction, these disparities have fueled rumors that Ferrari may explore alternative options when contracts come up for renewal in 2027.
### The Impact of 2026 Regulation Changes
The 2026 season will introduce major regulation changes affecting engines and chassis designs. Teams and drivers anticipate a volatile transition period where fortunes can quickly change. This regulatory reset is pivotal in Ferrari’s decision-making process regarding Hamilton’s future. A strong performance under the new rules could reshape the narrative significantly.
Notably, Hamilton himself has stated that the 2026 regulation changes will be decisive for his career. For now, the prevailing consensus in the paddock suggests Ferrari is reluctant to guarantee Hamilton a seat beyond 2026 unless he shows clear signs of progress.
Additionally, Hamilton will be 42 years old in 2027, an age at which no driver has won a Formula 1 Grand Prix in over 50 years. This reality inevitably weighs on Ferrari’s long-term planning.
### Is Oliver Bearman Ferrari’s Next Driver?
Adding an intriguing twist to the situation is Oliver Bearman, a promising 20-year-old Ferrari academy graduate. Bearman delivered one of the breakout performances of the year at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Starting ninth, he surged to sixth by the opening lap, executed a stunning double overtake on Max Verstappen and George Russell by lap six, and briefly ran in second place. He ultimately finished fourth, matching Haas’s best-ever result.
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, publicly praised Bearman’s drive, and senior figures within the team now regard him as nearing readiness for a full-time Formula 1 seat.
Crucially for Ferrari, Bearman is under contract with Haas through 2026—the same expiration window as Hamilton’s Ferrari deal. The ESPN report explicitly mentions Bearman as the internal option Ferrari could promote if they decide a long-term renewal with Hamilton is not in their best interests.
### Ferrari Leadership Stands by Hamilton—for Now
Fred Vasseur, who recently extended his own contract with Ferrari, has publicly backed Hamilton during this challenging phase. He noted, “He spent 10 years at McLaren, then 12 with Mercedes, but it was a kind of continuity—two teams based in the UK with the same engine, same environment. Ferrari is a complete change for him, in his life, the culture of the team and everything. To do it in three test days in the winter period is quite difficult.”
Vasseur added, “It’s up to us to support him when he is struggling, and we also need to push him when he’s struggling. I’m really convinced that he will do it.”
### A Dream That May End Sooner Than Expected
Hamilton’s passion for Ferrari was evident from the outset. His move to Maranello was seen as a homecoming, fulfilling a boyhood dream to race for the Scuderia. But as F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher recently observed, that dream might end sooner than anticipated if the results don’t improve.
If Ferrari’s patience runs thin and Bearman’s impressive rise continues, the most decorated driver in Formula 1 history may soon face an unfamiliar question: what’s next after 2026?
—
Stay tuned as the 2026 season and its regulations bring fresh challenges and opportunities for both Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-ferrari-star-lewis-hamilton-danger-getting-replaced-impressive-f1-rookie-2027-reports