Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Future ‘in Doubt’ as Four-Man Replacement List Revealed

The four drivers that could replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari have been revealed as doubts over British driver's future continue to grow.

Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of the 2025 F1 season was one that many expected would see the Brit finally claim a record-breaking eighth Drivers Championship title.

However, things did not go at all to plan, with the British driver having what was undoubtedly the worst season of his legendary career, finishing sixth in the standings.

The 2025 season has gone down as the first of Hamilton's career in which he failed to get even one podium finish in a Grand Prix, raising questions about his future with the team.

And now, it appears that Ferrari are already prepared to replace Hamilton should he fail to perform in the upcoming season as they've drawn up a shortlist of four drivers that could take his seat in 2026.

Lewis Hamilton had the worst season on his career in 2025. (Image: Getty)

With a new set or regulations set to introduce a wave of dramatic changes in the 2026 season, Hamilton will have a fresh opportunity to save his career at Ferrari.

But, according to Italian journalist Leo Turrini, writing in a column for Quotidiano Nazionale, doubts about Hamilton have ‘multiplied’ and ‘exploded’ within Ferrari in recent months.

Should he continue to be drastically outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, it appears likely that either the F1 legend will call time on his career or be sacked and replaced with a driver expected to perform better.

On top of Ferrari's shortlist is youngster Oliver Bearman following his impressive rookie season with Haas after coming through the Ferrari driver academy.

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The young British driver scored 41 points in his debut season, three more than veteran teammate Esteban Ocon, and finishing 13th in the Drivers' standings.

Another internal candidate believed to be less likely is F3 champion Rafael Camara, who will step up to F2 in 2026.

Oliver Bearman is the most likely replacement for Hamilton should he leave Ferrari. Image credit: Getty

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is said to have high hopes for the Brazilian driver, but it is more likely that he will join F1 later in his career, perhaps starting with a midfield team.

In a dream scenario, Vasseur is also reportedly keeping an eye on the increased tensions at McLaren and could attempt a blockbuster move for either Oscar Piastri or 2025 champion Lando Norris should it appear that they would consider leaving the Woking-based team.

Of the two, it is of course much more likely that Piastri would leave McLaren after Norris committed his long-term future to McLaren prior to the 2024 season, despite reported interest from Ferrari.

As it stands, Piastri is under contract until the end of 2028 but, as always is the case in F1, it is widely believed that he has a exit clause included in his contract.