New 'issue for Lewis Hamilton' identified as Ferrari replacement Oliver Bearman knocks on door

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025 was meant to be a fresh start, but after a challenging debut season, a new potential threat has emerged from within the Ferrari family: Oliver Bearman. The Haas rookie's strong performances have positioned him as a viable future replacement, putting pressure on the seven-time champion to reassert his authority at Maranello or risk being eased out.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's first year with Ferrari fell short of expectations, with him finishing a distant second to teammate Charles Leclerc in the standings. With Bearman now a proven F1 driver under contract to Ferrari's junior program, the team has a ready-made alternative if Hamilton's form doesn't improve or if he decides to retire. This creates a high-stakes dynamic for 2025, a season Hamilton has already admitted he is not looking forward to, as he aims to prove he can still lead the team into the new 2026 regulations.

The details:

• Hamilton's Struggles: Hamilton's best result in 2025 was a series of fourth-place finishes, a significant gap behind Leclerc's win and multiple podiums. His 156-point tally to Leclerc's 242 potentially cost Ferrari third place in the Constructors' Championship.
• Bearman's Rise: In contrast, Bearman secured Haas's best result since 2018 with a P4 in Mexico and scored points in five of the last seven races, winning the intra-team battle at Haas. Former F1 driver Christian Danner highlighted this as a direct "issue" for Hamilton, stating that if Hamilton "continues to make a fuss," he could be replaced by Bearman.
• Contractual Context: Hamilton is contracted with Ferrari for 2026 and holds a personal option for 2027. However, speculation persists that another difficult season could lead him to retire early, opening a seat.
• The Dream Driver: Bearman has been unequivocal about his ultimate goal, calling a Ferrari drive "what gets me out of bed in the morning." His development with Haas in 2026 is seen as a direct audition for that future role.

What's next:

All eyes are on the 2025 season. Hamilton needs to bounce back strongly to solidify his position as Ferrari's leader for the new regulatory era in 2026. Another year of struggle could accelerate discussions about his future, especially with a motivated and capable driver like Bearman waiting in the wings. For now, Hamilton is focused on a winter break to "disconnect," but the pressure to perform upon his return will be higher than ever.