Guenther Steiner: Oliver Bearman Ready to Replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, has declared that Oliver Bearman is ready to join a top F1 team, making him the obvious successor to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari when the seven-time champion retires. Bearman's impressive start to 2026 — eighth in the standings with 17 points after four rounds — underscores his rapid development.

Why it matters:

Bearman's potential promotion is crucial for Ferrari's long-term planning. With Hamilton on a multi-year deal but nearing the end of his career, the Scuderia needs a homegrown talent to pair with Charles Leclerc. Steiner, who oversaw Bearman's early steps at Haas, believes the 21-year-old has outgrown his current midfield machinery.

The details:

• Bearman scored 17 points in 2026, including a season-best fifth in China, following a strong rookie campaign with six points finishes in the final 10 rounds.
• Steiner's assessment: "Oliver is now ready to go to a team where he can win races or at least go to the podium. He's very young, though, so he'll need to be patient."
• Contract clauses: Steiner suggests Bearman's Ferrari deal likely includes exit provisions allowing a move to a leading team before a Scuderia seat opens.
• Hamilton factor: The 41-year-old has shown improved form in 2026 (first Ferrari podium in China), but doubts persist about how long he'll continue, especially if Ferrari can't deliver a title-winning car.

What's next:

Bearman's timeline depends on Hamilton's retirement decision. Steiner draws parallels with Leclerc's development path, noting that Ferrari could again promote one of its own. For now, Bearman must continue delivering strong results with Haas while waiting for the opportunity.