Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari might be shorter than anticipated due to his underwhelming debut season. Steiner, aged 60, has endorsed young talent Oliver Bearman as a potential successor to Hamilton before the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s performance at Ferrari has sparked discussions about his future as he continues to struggle. Steiner believes that if Hamilton’s lackluster form persists into the next season, the seven-time world champion’s time at the Italian team could be curtailed prematurely.
Bearman, who previously filled in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last season, has a history with Ferrari and has impressed since joining Ferrari’s Driving Academy in 2022, particularly with his strong performances at Haas this year.
Steiner, in an interview on ‘The Red Flags podcast,’ expressed his confidence in Bearman as a potential replacement for Hamilton if necessary. He praised Bearman’s recent improvements and solid driving skills, suggesting that Bearman could secure a seat in one of the top teams by 2027 if not with Ferrari.
Bearman’s recent success on the track, including scoring points in the last four races, has placed him close to overtaking drivers like Isack Hadjar and Nico Hulkenberg in the Drivers’ Championship Standings. Despite Bearman’s promising performances, Ferrari has had a lackluster season in 2025, with Hamilton still chasing his first podium after 21 races, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has secured seven podium finishes.
Steiner’s views are supported by Sky Sports F1 pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, who also believes that Bearman’s promotion to Ferrari is inevitable. Kravitz, speaking on ‘The F1 Show,’ confidently stated that Bearman will eventually take over from Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
Although speculation about Hamilton’s future persists, he has hinted at staying with Ferrari for the foreseeable future, noting his existing contract and indicating that contract discussions are not imminent.
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