Ferrari’s approach to filling Lewis Hamilton’s seat now obvious, Ted Kravitz claims

Ted Kravitz, speaking on Sky Sports’ F1 Show, expressed confidence that Haas driver Oliver Bearman will eventually step into Hamilton’s seat at Ferrari. For Kravitz, it seems to be more about timing than possibility.

Ferrari are still expected to honour Hamilton’s contract until 2027, as Haas have confirmed Bearman will not be available before that year.

The Maranello outfit have also been linked with Oscar Piastri, and there are suggestions Carlos Sainz might consider leaving Williams if approached by his former team. However, Kravitz sees only one realistic outcome.

“It’s clear as night follows 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 to Haas, or to an engine customer, and then bring them in-house.

“Haas insist that they’ve got Bearman nailed down for ’26, so I think Ferrari will let it play out with Hamilton, get to the end of his contract and then make a call on whether it’s Bearman,” Kravitz concluded.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari contract: when will it end?

There is a growing belief around the paddock that Ferrari will not offer Hamilton a new deal. However, there is always the chance that the upcoming rule changes could help turn things around for him.

While Ferrari have not made anything official, reports suggest Hamilton’s contract is for three years. That means Bearman might have to wait his turn for a while yet.

George Russell spent three years at Williams before finally getting his move to Mercedes, so the 20-year-old may have to be patient.

Hamilton’s deal reportedly includes release clauses should the project become unviable. So there is a chance he could leave Ferrari earlier than expected.