Oliver Bearman has admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s strong resurgence at Ferrari complicates his chances of a future with the Scuderia. The 21-year-old Brit, who is part of Ferrari’s development program, has been considered the clear successor to the seven-time world champion since his official F1 debut in 2025. However, due to Hamilton’s revival, Bearman will have to adjust his future expectations.
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Bearman came into the spotlight as a future Ferrari driver after his impressive stand-in performance for Carlos Sainz during the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP. Later that year, he also substituted for Haas, after which he was offered an official contract alongside Esteban Ocon in 2025. The American team is considered a sister team to the Scuderia in several respects; Haas has been running engines from the Italian supplier since 2016.
Hamilton prevents Bearman from Ferrari transfer
Bearman’s successful rookie season and Hamilton’s notably difficult Ferrari debut fueled speculation about a promotion to Maranello. However, after the first half of the 2026 season, the situation has changed. Hamilton won his first race for the Scuderia this year and is the closest challenger to championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Bearman nevertheless appreciates his compatriot’s revival.
“As an F1 fan and also as a Lewis fan, it’s great to see him perform at this level,” he responded on the Beyond the Grid podcast. “It was very special to see him on the top step of the podium in Barcelona, also for British Formula 1 in general. There were three Brits on the podium, with the best driver we’ve ever had in first place. That’s really something special.” George Russell and Lando Norris completed the podium during the inaugural Catalonia GP.
Bearman: ‘I am still young’
Bearman simultaneously realizes that Hamilton’s successes at Ferrari are not exactly favorable for his own ambitions. “Of course, that’s not ideal for my future,” he admitted. “But I am still young. I’m only 21. I’m in no rush and for me, it’s not a bad thing to stay with Haas for now. I think there’s still plenty to learn and achieve with this team.”
Still, Bearman does not lose sight of his ultimate goal. “My goal remains to become a Ferrari driver one day,” he emphasized. “Of course, I don’t want to wait three, four, or five years for a seat to open up, because there are no guarantees. You can waste your best years. My ultimate goal might be a bit selfish, and that’s fine, because that’s why I’m here: I want to fight for world championships. So if I get that chance, wherever it may be, I will take it.”
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