Ferrari fans back shock move for Verstappen to replace Hamilton

A significant majority of Formula 1 fans believe Ferrari should target Max Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton when the seven-time champion eventually retires, according to a new poll. The survey highlights the enduring appeal of securing a proven champion over promoting a young talent like Oliver Bearman for the coveted seat alongside Charles Leclerc.

Why it matters:

The driver market is a cornerstone of F1's off-track drama, and a potential move by the sport's most dominant current driver to its most iconic team would be a seismic shift. With Hamilton's long-term future a topic of speculation despite his multi-year Ferrari deal, fan sentiment underscores the high-stakes planning required for the Scuderia's post-Hamilton era.

The details:

• A RacingNews365 poll found that 69.7% of respondents believe Ferrari should consider signing Verstappen if Hamilton retires, while only 30.3% viewed Oliver Bearman as a viable alternative.
• Lewis Hamilton, 41, has a contract with Ferrari understood to run through 2027, with reports suggesting a unilateral option for the final season.
• Hamilton has stated his personal goal is to continue racing until F1 returns to Africa, indicating he may race beyond his current contract terms.
• Verstappen has previously left the door open to a future Ferrari move, stating that while no discussions are currently taking place, there are "a lot of chances in life for any kind of decision."
• The Dutchman has also expressed uncertainty about his own long-term future in the sport, adding another layer of intrigue to the speculation.

What's next:

This remains a long-term hypothetical, contingent on the timing of Hamilton's retirement and Verstappen's career decisions. For now, Ferrari's immediate focus is integrating Hamilton for 2025 and developing Bearman as a future option. However, the poll results reflect a clear fan appetite for Ferrari to pursue the ultimate prize in the driver market should the opportunity arise, setting the stage for potential blockbuster negotiations in the coming years.