Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari might be in jeopardy following a lackluster debut season. Steiner, aged 60, has endorsed young talent Oliver Bearman as a potential successor to Hamilton’s position before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Speculation surrounding Hamilton’s future at Ferrari has intensified due to his underwhelming performance. Steiner indicated that if Hamilton’s struggles persist into the next season, the seven-time world champion’s association with the Italian outfit could come to an early conclusion.
Bearman, who previously substituted for Carlos Sainz at the 2022 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix and later joined Ferrari’s Driving Academy, has impressed with his performances at Haas this year.
Steiner, in agreement with the belief that Bearman could step into Hamilton’s shoes, expressed his support for the young driver during an episode of ‘Gas or Brake’ on The Red Flags podcast. He praised Bearman’s recent improvements and solid driving skills, suggesting that he could potentially secure a seat at a top-tier team in 2027 if not offered one by Ferrari.
Bearman’s recent success in scoring points in the past four races has placed him in contention to surpass both Isack Hadjar and Nico Hulkenberg in the Drivers’ Championship Standings. Despite Bearman’s promising form, Ferrari has struggled to secure a victory in the ongoing 2025 season, with Hamilton yet to achieve a podium finish after 21 races. Meanwhile, his teammate Charles Leclerc has clinched seven podium places, trailing only Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen.
Steiner’s sentiments are echoed by Sky Sports F1 pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, who believes that Bearman’s elevation to Ferrari is an inevitable development. Kravitz emphasized his conviction during The F1 Show, asserting that Bearman is destined to replace Hamilton at Ferrari.
While rumors persist about Hamilton’s future, the British driver has hinted at a prolonged stay at Ferrari, citing the length of his current contract as a factor. Regarding his contract, Hamilton remarked, “I have a pretty long contract,” indicating that discussions about his future are premature at this stage.
In other news, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include a variety of entertainment platforms such as HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu. This package also offers access to 135 channels and comprehensive coverage of Formula 1 alongside other sports like the Premier League, EFL, darts, and golf.