In the eyes of former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, Lewis Hamilton’s shaky debut season at Ferrari could prompt an early departure. Steiner, aged 60, envisions young talent Oliver Bearman as a potential successor to Hamilton, setting the stage for a changing of the guard before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s future at Ferrari has sparked intense speculation following his lackluster performance. Steiner suggests that if Hamilton’s struggles persist into the next season, the renowned seven-time world champion may find his tenure with the Italian outfit curtailed sooner than expected.
Bearman, who previously filled in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last season, has earned praise for his impressive displays since joining Ferrari’s Driving Academy in 2022. Steiner, aligning with widespread beliefs, sees Bearman as a strong candidate to step into Hamilton’s shoes if the need arises.
Expressing his confidence in Bearman’s abilities, Steiner emphasized the youngster’s recent stellar form and progression, indicating a promising future ahead. Despite Ferrari’s lackluster season so far, Bearman’s consistent point-scoring performances have positioned him to challenge higher in the Drivers’ Championship Standings.
While Hamilton continues to chase his elusive first podium after 21 races, his teammate Charles Leclerc has been a standout performer with multiple podium finishes. The anticipation of Bearman’s potential elevation to Ferrari is shared by Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz, who views the transition as an inevitable progression in the sport.
Despite the swirling rumors surrounding his future, Hamilton remains focused on his current commitments, citing his existing contract with Ferrari as a testament to his ongoing dedication. The Formula 1 audience can catch all the live action, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and races, through Sky’s comprehensive viewing packages, offering a bundled deal with substantial savings and additional perks like Netflix and Discovery+ subscriptions.