Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari might be shorter than anticipated following a lackluster debut season. Steiner, aged 60, has named young talent Oliver Bearman as a potential successor to Hamilton, hinting at a changing of the guard before the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Speculation around Hamilton’s future at Ferrari has intensified due to his underwhelming performance since joining the team. Steiner has raised concerns that if Hamilton’s struggles persist into the next season, his association with the Italian outfit could end prematurely.
Bearman, who filled in for Carlos Sainz at the previous season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix and joined Ferrari’s Driving Academy in 2022, has impressed with his performances for Haas this year. Considered a strong contender for Hamilton’s seat, Bearman has garnered attention for his consistent displays on the track.
In a recent interview on ‘The Red Flags podcast,’ Steiner expressed confidence in Bearman’s abilities, stating that if Hamilton fails to deliver next season, Bearman should step in. Highlighting Bearman’s progress and skill, Steiner emphasized the young driver’s potential to excel in a top-tier team.
Bearman’s recent success on the track, including scoring points in the past four races, has positioned him close to surpassing drivers like Isack Hadjar and Nico Hulkenberg in the Drivers’ Championship Standings. Despite Bearman’s promising trajectory, Ferrari’s overall performance this season has been lackluster, with the team yet to secure a victory and Hamilton still chasing his first podium after 21 races.
Steiner’s sentiments align with those of Sky Sports F1 pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, who also foresees Bearman’s eventual promotion to Ferrari. Kravitz confidently asserted that Bearman is set to replace Hamilton at Ferrari, a sentiment echoed by others in the Formula 1 community.
Amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future, Hamilton has alluded to his commitment to Ferrari, citing a long-term contract that indicates his intentions to stay with the team for the foreseeable future. The five-time world champion has indicated that discussions about his contract renewal are not on the immediate horizon.
In other news, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle, now offering additional streaming services and comprehensive coverage of various sports events, including Formula 1, as part of its expanded package.