Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari dream has quickly turned into a nightmare this season and calls to replace him at the Prancing Horse are growing stronger

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Lewis Hamilton is under pressure at Ferrari(Image: Mark Sutton – Formula 1, Formula 1 via Getty Images)

F1 star Oliver Bearman has previously dismissed speculation linking him to Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton’s season goes from bad to worse. The seven-time world champion has had a rough ride this season with the iconic team, culminating in a DNF at the Brazilian Grand Prix last time out.

His lacklustre campaign hit rock bottom in Las Vegas when he qualified dead last on the grid, marking the first time a Ferrari has been in this position since 2009. This only fuels speculation about the Brit’s future, particularly as Haas driver Oliver Bearman continues to shine in his debut season on the grid.

Despite the chatter about both drivers’ futures, rookie Bearman has shown nothing but respect for Hamilton and recently called for calm among those clamouring for him to take a seat with the Scuderia.

The young Brit achieved the best result of his F1 career by securing fourth place at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Since then, he has also finished sixth in Brazil, placing him 11th in the drivers’ standings.

When asked if he was part of Ferrari’s future and whether he’d be a natural choice for a seat at the Italian team should one become available, he gave a straightforward response.

“One weekend they’re saying this, but then when the previous weekend doesn’t go well, they’re saying the opposite,” Bearman told Sky Sports F1 earlier this month, commenting on the praise he’s been receiving.

“The media like their headlines and stuff like that, and of course it was a great weekend and I’m very happy to have done that, but I’m not really bothered about it. I just try and keep my head down, focus on continuing to have those good results and deliver good points for the team as well.”

He also maintained that his result in Mexico was “lucky”. He added: “Of course it was a good weekend but I think we have to be realistic in saying that that’s not… I don’t think we’re going to come to the next four races and expect to be fighting in the top four, top five.

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Oliver Bearman has been tipped for big things in F1(Image: Getty)

“It was of course a lucky result to have things play out as they did. But we also had really good pace, particularly in the race on Sunday in Mexico and that can definitely be transferred forward. But our goal, definitely for the next four races, is to be fighting in the points.”

Demands for Bearman to secure a drive with the Prancing Horse have grown increasingly loud recently. Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve declared Bearman’s showing in Mexico was definitive proof that he belongs “better in the big league”.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The F1 Show, paddock legend Kravitz said: “It’s clear as day that Ollie Bearman will eventually replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, I think that’s absolutely clear. Whether Charles Leclerc will stay there or not long-term is a completely separate subject.

“It’s the Ferrari way. They did it with Charles Leclerc, to farm out their juniors to a Sauber or a Haas (where Bearman is now) or to an engine customer team.”

He continued: “And then bring them in-house, of course. That’s what happened with Leclerc at Sauber and then he came to Ferrari ready-formed, free of his mistakes. You could say Charles Leclerc held on to a couple of mistakes at Ferrari but it doesn’t seem to make mistakes anymore really.

“Ollie Bearman is doing that. Haas insist that they’ve got Bearman nailed down for 2026. So I think Ferrari will let it play out with Lewis Hamilton in 2026, get to the end of his contract and make a call on whether it’s Bearman.”

Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has also suggested that Hamilton will soon be replaced by Bearman. During the ‘Gas or Brake’ segment of The Red Flags podcast, the former Haas team principal was asked whether Bearman should replace Hamilton to which he responded: “Gas!”.

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Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have struggled this season(Image: Getty)

He said: “If Hamilton next year isn’t any good, he should replace him. Ollie is doing a fantastic job, he shows what he’s worth. Beginning of the year, he made mistakes. Now he’s as clean as they get.”

Steiner further added: “[Bearman] Blows away [Esteban] Ocon, who is a much more experienced driver, paid a lot more money I guess. Blows him away, leaves him behind.”

Steiner reckoned that should Ferrari fail to hand Bearman a drive, the talented youngster’s ability guarantees he’ll secure a spot with one of the sport’s leading outfits.

“I think if Ferrari doesn’t give him a seat in 27, I think he will get a seat in one of the top teams anyway in 27. He will not be hanging around in the midfield, because he shows what he can do. His drives are so solid at the moment, fantastic to watch.”

Hamilton has managed to avoid the podium entirely across 21 outings for Ferrari thus far. His teammate Leclerc has claimed seven top-three finishes, heaping the heat on the iconic British racer.