On paper, Ferrari might have the best driver pairing in F1 heading into 2025 and 2026.
Charles Leclerc is signed through to 2029, the longest contract of any driver on the grid. Lewis Hamilton joined from Mercedes over the winter and is locked in until at least the end of next season, with an option for another year.
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Hamilton has control over whether he wants to stay on until 2027, which leaves questions about his future with Ferrari and in Formula 1 as a whole — especially considering how things are going right now.
The seven-time champion hasn’t reached the podium yet for Ferrari outside of Sprint races and currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings. He’s still finding it tough to settle in after so many years with Mercedes.
The Hungarian Grand Prix was probably his toughest weekend yet. He qualified and finished P12, called himself ‘useless’ on Saturday, and even hinted that Ferrari might be better off replacing him.
Bernie Ecclestone tells Ferrari to ‘wake up’ and sign Gabriel Bortoleto as their next F1 driver
Naturally, Ferrari won’t be keen to let go of the Brit without a fight. Still, there are voices in the media who think Hamilton might walk away from Formula 1 in 2025.
The 2026 technical changes might be Hamilton’s final shot at that elusive eighth title, especially given how tough he’s found this era of cars. If next season doesn’t bring improvement, retirement could be on the cards.
Oliver Bearman appears to be next in line for a seat at Ferrari, already settled near Maranello and having made a strong impression both during his stand-in roles in 2024 and with Haas in his debut season.
But the team have been told to consider other candidates. Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone previously said Ferrari should ‘steal’ Isack Hadjar to replace Hamilton, but he now has another driver for the prancing horse to consider.
“Bortoleto’s good performances in a midfield team like Sauber should really wake Ferrari up now. The Italians’ next driver question has to be resolved with the Brazilian.”
Bernie Ecclestone urges Ferrari to sign Gabriel Bortoleto as their next F1 driver
Ferrari won’t want to give up on the Brit easily, but some journalists believe Hamilton will retire in 2025 and end his F1 career.
The 2026 technical regulations could be Hamilton’s last chance to win an eighth championship, having struggled with the current generation of cars. If he can’t be competitive next season, retirement may become an option.
Oliver Bearman is already being considered as Ferrari’s next prospect, with the Brit living in Maranello. He impressed during his substitute appearances in 2024 and continued to show promise with Haas in his rookie season in 2025.
But other names are also being mentioned. Bernie Ecclestone had previously suggested Ferrari should look at Isack Hadjar as a replacement for Hamilton but has since brought up another name.
Speaking to Blick, Ecclestone put forward Gabriel Bortoleto: “Bortoleto’s good performances in a midfield team like Sauber should really wake Ferrari up now. The Italians’ next driver question has to be resolved with the Brazilian.”
Bortoleto was linked to Ferrari before his first race for Sauber
Bortoleto is quickly building a reputation as a promising talent in Formula One. He’s played a key role in moving Sauber from the back of the grid into a more competitive midfield position.
The Brazilian has been consistently outqualifying teammate Nico Hulkenberg, and Q3 appearances are becoming more routine. So far, Bortoleto has scored 14 points, highlighted by a sixth-place finish in Budapest.
Bortoleto’s manager Fernando Alonso has called him the best rookie of his generation, and support continues to grow around the paddock for his future prospects.
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