Ferrari Eye Shock Hamilton Replacement With F1 Star on Radar

Ferrari have reportedly identified their top target to replace Lewis Hamilton.

At the start of the season, all eyes were fixated on seven-time Formula 1 world champion Hamilton after his high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari.

However, the 40-year-old has so far struggled to perform at his best as he continues to adapt to his new surroundings.

Currently, Hamilton is sixth in the standings with 117 points, 46 behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

Despite his tough start, the Brit is the only Ferrari driver to have won a race this season, having finished first in the sprint during the Chinese Grand Prix.

As Hamilton's poor form continues, doubts over the Stevenage-born star's future in the sport have grown massively.

Recently, it has been reported that Ferrari could look to McLaren when choosing Hamilton's successor.

According to Mundo Deportivo journalist Fabio Marchi, the Scuderia are keeping a close eye on McLaren star and championship leader Oscar Piastri.

He said on the Cortito y al Pie podcast: "The other day I spoke with an Italian journalist who was certain Ferrari is keeping a close watch on Piastri."

Oscar Piastri has been linked with a move to Ferrari. Image: Getty

Piastri, 24, is the firm favourite to win the 2025 world title as he currently leads teammate Lando Norris by 31 points.

With just eight Grands Prix left, Piastri has a healthy enough lead to experience a couple of tough races.

On the other hand, the closest challenger, Norris, will have to aim for a top-two finish in the majority of the remaining races.

Speaking after finishing sixth at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Hamilton said: "It was tough coming from where I was to then try and catch up to all these other cars.

"Sitting in traffic for periods of time, obviously you lose time to the cars up ahead and you eat more of your tyres up."

He added: "I’m really just going to work as hard as I can to one day stand on the top of that podium (For Ferrari). That’s my dream."

F1 will return next weekend with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which is set to take place around the Baku City Circuit.