Ferrari drop three drivers from their shortlist to replace Lewis Hamilton if he was to retire

Ferrari are reportedly making changes to their shortlist of possible replacements for Lewis Hamilton, according to the latest update from F1-Insider.

Haas driver Oliver Bearman, a long-time Ferrari Academy member, is still in the frame. But reports earlier this year suggested the team was also considering both McLaren drivers and hadn’t ruled out promoting 2025 Formula 3 champion Rafael Camara either.

Max Verstappen reportedly top of Ferrari’s updated shortlist

Blick has revealed Ferrari’s updated list of candidates, with Bearman the only name carried over from the initial group.

The biggest shift in the market since January is the growing chance that Max Verstappen could become available. Red Bull’s sluggish start has increased the likelihood that Verstappen will be able to trigger an exit clause in his contract later this year.

Ferrari are paying close attention to how things unfold, while also keeping the door open for a possible return for Carlos Sainz. Sainz, who made way for Hamilton at the end of 2024, might be considering a move after James Vowles’ project at Williams hit a snag.

As for earlier targets, Red Bull are leading the chase for Oscar Piastri if Verstappen departs, while Lando Norris doesn’t appear to be in their plans. Camara is off to a strong start in Formula 2 with two podiums in as many weekends but seems more likely to follow a similar development path as Bearman.

When could Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari exit happen?

Despite rumours swirling online, there are no plans for Hamilton to announce his retirement at Silverstone or any time this year.

Hamilton’s contract runs through the 2027 season, though Ferrari have kept the finer details of his deal under wraps.

If he stays at his current level, competitive but still a few tenths behind Charles Leclerc, a move away from Ferrari at the end of next year wouldn’t be surprising.

At that point, he could look to join another team and push his career into Fernando Alonso territory. Or he might decide to walk away from the sport altogether. But it’s worth remembering that Hamilton has said before he won’t retire until Formula 1 returns to Africa.