Lewis Hamilton, the first Brit in over two decades to race full-time for Ferrari, has paved the way for another rising British star in Formula One. The historic Italian team appear to be facing a pivotal decision regarding their seven-time world champion. As he approaches his 41st birthday in January, there is growing uncertainty about his long-term future with the team, amid reports that senior figures are hesitant to extend his contract beyond the 2026 season.
If Hamilton’s performance remains competitive and he continues to excel, Ferrari will undoubtedly be pleased. However, if this turns out to be his final year in F1, it seems increasingly likely that they will turn to the current sensation: Oliver Bearman. He was merely a teenager when he made his F1 debut for Ferrari last year, earning points as a young driver when Carlos Sainz was sidelined due to appendicitis.
Now aged 20, Bearman has discovered that a first full season can be a steep learning curve. His talent has always been evident, and now it’s beginning to shine through as he finds his footing at Haas.
Bearman has now scored points in each of the last three races, most notably finishing fourth in Mexico last Sunday.
Not only did he equal Haas’ best ever result in their decade-long history, but he achieved it by surpassing Max Verstappen and George Russell on track.
It was a demonstration of not just talent but also courage, even if he did confess afterwards that he was “s***ting himself” whilst competing wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen.
Bearman already had a significant following in the F1 paddock, and now many of them support him to take the next step when the chance arises.
He remains a Ferrari driver, effectively on loan at their customer team to groom him at the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport.
The aspiration was that he might one day succeed Hamilton and the universally respected Martin Brundle is among those who wish to see it happen.
“The moment that there’s a seat at Ferrari for whatever reason, then Bearman should be in it as far as I’m concerned,” he said about the young Brit.
It will be a sorrowful day for F1 and all of British sport when Hamilton eventually retires, but if Bearman can maintain his upward trajectory, perhaps Ferrari will continue to represent the British flag after the seven-time champion has retired.
