Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Spot Under Threat as Fred Vassuer Targets F1 Rival

Ferrari team principal Fred Vassuer is a "very, very" big fan of a driver who is widely regarded as the natural successor to Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton's future at Ferrari remains uncertain. Ahead of the 2025 season, all eyes were on the seven-time world champion's high-profile transfer from Mercedes after the Brit signed a multi-year deal.

The 40-year-old and fellow Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc were expected to challenge for wins and podiums, but the SF-25 car has proved to be problematic. In fact, Leclerc is currently fifth in the 2025 standings with 210 points, 64 points ahead of sixth-placed Hamilton.

After the Mexican Grand Prix, a report from ESPN claimed several senior paddock figures have suggested Hamilton will not be offered another contract when his expires at the end of 2026 given his performances.

"That seems a premature prediction," the report added. "But what is clear is that something has not clicked between the British driver and Italian team this year, even if his outright pace relative to Leclerc has not been quite as bad as some naysayers have suggested."

Hamilton remains the only Ferrari driver to win this season, but he has struggled for podium finishes. Image credit: Getty

So, who could potentially replace Hamilton if he did leave Ferrari? Dutch commentator Nelson Valkenburg spoke about Ollie Bearman’s chances of joining Ferrari on The Race F1 Podcast.

Bearman, 20, currently drives for Haas and impressed many during the race in Mexico, including Fred Vasseur.

“It depends on how long he has to wait, because an awful lot can go wrong in the meantime,” said Valkenberg. “But he did prove a lot to a lot of the naysayers and it proved a lot, I think, to Ferrari. It’s clear that Fred Vasseur is very, very much on his side.

“And timing-wise, it couldn’t have come better, because this season, a real rookie season, he’s shown speed, but he’s been a little erratic. And this was such a measured performance that it came at the right time.”

What has Ollie Bearman said about driving for Ferrari?

Last year, Bearman was quizzed on potentially driving for Ferrari in the future.

“I hope so. I mean, that would be the dream, right?" he said. "It’s not really in my hands. I feel like but all I can do is perform my best, and that’s my goal. Everything that comes after that is not really within my control."

He added: "I’m focusing on my future with Haas at the moment, and I’m really excited to get started."

Oliver Bearman celebrates getting the fourth position during the Mexico Grand Prix. Image credit: Getty

Martin Brundle, meanwhile, has tipped the young British driver to get the nod at Ferrari should a seat become available.

Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Show, he said: "If you give that young man an opportunity, he'll grab it, like he did in Saudi with the Ferrari drive. He kept his head under a lot of pressure, especially in the closing stages with Oscar Piastri's McLaren behind him."

"He put a move on Max (Verstappen), made it stick, didn't go four wheels off the road, just. The moment that there's a seat at Ferrari for whatever reason, then Bearman should be in it as far as I'm concerned," added Brundle.

"I think he's outstanding and he's learning fast, and he's making the most of his opportunity."