Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Formula 1, Charles Leclerc
Ryan Smart
Lewis Hamilton could be replaced at Ferrari by a surprise driver for the 2026 season, a former F1 race winner has suggested.
Hamilton described himself as 'useless' after qualifying in 12th place for the Hungarian Grand Prix last month, and suggested that Ferrari should replace him.
The seven-time world champion's team-mate Charles Leclerc was on pole position for the race - but he himself was almost knocked out in the second session.
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Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur defended Hamilton last week, claiming that the Scuderia 'underestimated' how long it would take the Brit to adapt to driving under Ferrari power, having used Mercedes engines for the entirety of his career.
He also noted Hamilton's improved performances in the races themselves since the opening weeks of the season, stating: "It took Lewis four or five races to be a bit more in control."
The 40-year-old signed a two-year contract with Ferrari to cover 2025 and 2026, with reporting that the deal contains technical guarantees as F1 heads into a brand-new power unit era from next season.
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The chances of Ferrari replacing Hamilton, therefore, appear to be effectively zero, with the only way that the Brit does not appear on the grid next season being if he walks away himself.
Still, that hasn't stopped speculation surrounding his future - and ex-F1 driver and pundit Johnny Herbert is the latest to claim that Ferrari will in fact consider replacing the seven-time champion.
He has put forward Williams driver Carlos Sainz - who himself was replaced by Hamilton before this season - to make a shock return.
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"When Hamilton said [things are going on behind the scenes], I'm not sure what that meant," Herbert told Grosvenor Casino.
"One way of reading it is that there has been talk already about changing the driver. Is that something that's already been spoken about?
"Maybe it's been mentioned if things don't get better, you need to get yourself in a position where you've got the next driver ready for next year. Maybe they [Hamilton, Ferrari] are both saying that, if it doesn't work, the time is here, the time has come [to part ways].
"I don't think it would be Verstappen [as the replacement]. It could be one of the younger drivers, I guess.
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"But I saw a little interview with Carlos Sainz and, when asked if he would go back to Ferrari, he replied: 'Yeah, maybe!'
"Carlos was doing an absolutely brilliant job and was really keeping Charles under control. He's still young. He's still doing a good job, even if he's struggling with Williams a bit. But we know how good he was when he was at Ferrari."