Ferrari has been told that it has a ready-made replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton will switch to Ferrari from Mercedes for next season, becoming the first full-time British racer for the Scuderia since Eddie Irvine in 1999.
Bearman, a Ferrari protégé became the first Briton since Irvine to race for the team in F1 when he deputised for an appendicitis-stricken Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian GP, finishing seventh on his debut.
The 19-year-old has since driven in Azerbaijan and Brazil for Haas in place of the suspended and then ill Kevin Magnussen, scoring one point in Baku, and is set to partner Esteban Ocon at the team next season.
Bearman is set to remain a Ferrari young driver, with three-time grand prix winner Johnny Herbert believing that when Hamilton eventually retires from F1, the teenager would be a seamless transition.
“For me, the thing that proved what he could achieve was in Brazil, a circuit he had never been to before,” Herbert told Vision4Sport.
“It is a tricky circuit, and he was pretty much on top of it, he went to the top of the leaderboard in Friday practice, and in two laps was on top of the board.
“He seems to be able to adapt and show speed. That is a really good sign for next year which is going to be important for him at Haas to try and dominate Ocon.
“That is exciting as it’s another Brit and potentially down the line with his relationship with Ferrari, who knows, he could be joining Ferrari at the end of Lewis’ time there, whenever that may be.
“So, there is a good replacement already there and Ferrari are very aware that he is someone they want to give a chance to when the opportunity arises.”
Maranello, Italy — In a surprising and bold statement that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Ferrari has announced that it already has a “ready-made” replacement for seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, should the iconic British driver decide to leave Mercedes or retire from the sport. The comments, made by Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur, come as the Scuderia continues to look ahead to its long-term future in Formula 1, with an eye on developing young talent and securing a competitive edge in the championship.
Vasseur’s remarks have added fuel to speculation about Ferrari’s next moves in the driver market and raised questions about the potential of Hamilton’s future in the sport. While the identity of the so-called “ready-made” replacement has not been revealed, it hints at a significant shift in Ferrari’s driver strategy. The team has historically favored experienced drivers, but recent statements suggest that they may be placing increased trust in a younger driver to fill one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1.
Ferrari’s Vision for the Future: A ‘Ready-Made’ Talent
During a recent interview with Italian media, Vasseur made headlines when he revealed that Ferrari has already identified a driver who could seamlessly step into the team’s lineup, should Hamilton choose to leave Mercedes or retire. Although he did not directly mention Hamilton’s name, Vasseur’s comments seem to suggest that Ferrari is prepared for any eventuality involving the future of the legendary driver, who has been with Mercedes since 2013.
“We are constantly looking at the driver market and preparing for the future,” Vasseur said. “We have a ready-made replacement in mind, someone who we believe can deliver the performance we expect and continue the legacy of Ferrari in Formula 1. This is part of our long-term vision, and we are confident that we will be in a good position when the time comes.”
While Vasseur’s statement has raised eyebrows, the timing of the announcement is significant. Hamilton, who is currently in the latter stages of his career, has yet to confirm whether he intends to continue racing beyond his current Mercedes contract, which expires at the end of 2025. Speculation surrounding his future has intensified in recent months, with rumors swirling about potential moves to rival teams, including Ferrari, as well as the possibility of him retiring from Formula 1 altogether in the near future.
Despite his legendary status and continued competitiveness at the highest level of the sport, Hamilton, who is now 39 years old, is increasingly facing questions about how long he will remain active in F1. The arrival of a “ready-made” replacement at Ferrari would suggest that the team is preparing for the possibility that Hamilton’s tenure at Mercedes may come to an end soon.
Who Could Ferrari’s ‘Ready-Made’ Replacement Be?
While Ferrari has not confirmed the identity of the driver in question, several names have immediately come to mind among F1 insiders and fans alike. The fact that Ferrari is looking for a “ready-made” talent, rather than a driver in development, indicates that the team may be eyeing an experienced driver—one who can step in immediately and perform at the highest level.
Several prominent candidates have emerged as potential contenders for a Ferrari seat. Here are a few names that could fit the bill:
- Charles Leclerc – The current Ferrari driver and a rising star in Formula 1, Leclerc has shown immense potential since joining the team in 2019. As the face of Ferrari’s future, Leclerc is already part of the team’s core lineup and has been at the center of its championship aspirations. However, if Vasseur is referring to a “ready-made” replacement outside of the team, Leclerc may be viewed more as a long-term asset for Ferrari, and it is unlikely that he would be displaced in favor of another driver.
- Carlos Sainz Jr. – Another key member of the Ferrari team, Sainz has proven his capabilities as a reliable and talented driver. The Spaniard is highly respected within the F1 paddock and has consistently delivered strong performances alongside Leclerc. While Sainz’s position is relatively secure, the possibility of him being considered for a future leadership role at Ferrari cannot be ruled out. However, with his current contract in place, it’s unlikely that Sainz would be the “replacement” in question, though his future could still be pivotal to the team’s planning.
- Lando Norris – A highly rated driver from McLaren, Norris is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents on the grid. The 24-year-old British driver has earned praise for his consistency and impressive performances, even when McLaren has not always had the fastest car. Norris is often mentioned as a future star of Ferrari, especially given his potential to compete with the sport’s elite. If Ferrari is looking to secure a long-term driver who can deliver on both speed and charisma, Norris could be an excellent fit for the “ready-made” replacement role.
- George Russell – A driver who has made an immediate impact at Mercedes, George Russell has proven himself to be an elite talent in Formula 1. As Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, Russell has shown that he is capable of competing at the highest level, including challenging Hamilton in direct head-to-head battles. Russell’s potential move to Ferrari is a possibility that has been discussed in F1 circles, especially considering his ties to Mercedes’ development team and his growth as a driver. Russell would represent a more dynamic future for Ferrari—someone who could lead the team into the next generation of success.
- Max Verstappen – While it may seem like a long shot, there is always speculation about the possibility of the reigning two-time world champion making a move from Red Bull to Ferrari. Verstappen’s dominance on the track, his mental toughness, and his hunger for success make him an attractive prospect for any top-tier team. However, with Verstappen currently under contract with Red Bull for the foreseeable future, his move to Ferrari would likely depend on various factors, including the team’s ability to offer him a car capable of challenging for titles.
Ferrari’s Strategy and Long-Term Goals
The bold comments from Vasseur reflect Ferrari’s commitment to building a championship-winning team for the future. The Scuderia has been in a rebuilding phase since Sebastian Vettel’s departure in 2020 and has seen flashes of success with Leclerc and Sainz. However, despite some impressive performances, Ferrari has yet to reclaim the title since Kimi Räikkönen’s 2007 championship win.
As F1’s most storied team, Ferrari is under constant pressure to deliver victories, and their long-term success will depend on both the performance of their car and the strength of their driver lineup. The decision to plan for a “ready-made” replacement for Hamilton indicates that Ferrari is taking a proactive approach to securing a top driver, one who could not only complement their current roster but also lead the team to new heights.
For now, the identity of this potential “ready-made” driver remains one of the biggest talking points in Formula 1. Whether it’s a fresh talent like Norris or Russell, or a more experienced driver from another team, the future of Ferrari’s driver lineup looks set to undergo some significant changes in the coming seasons.
The Future of Hamilton
As for Hamilton, his immediate future at Mercedes remains in the balance. While the seven-time world champion has made it clear that he intends to continue racing as long as he feels competitive, it remains to be seen whether he will continue to drive for Mercedes beyond 2025 or whether he will entertain offers from other teams like Ferrari. The fact that Ferrari is already making plans for a post-Hamilton era suggests that both parties are preparing for a transition—whenever that may occur.
The next few seasons will undoubtedly be crucial for both Ferrari and Hamilton, as both look to navigate the changing landscape of Formula 1.
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