Lewis Hamilton's future in Formula 1 could take an unexpected turn. Despite the stir caused by his arrival at Ferrari at the beginning of 2025, the results of the seven-time world champion have not lived up to the expectations of the Italian team. According to reports from ESPN F1 and European media, the Maranello team has no intention of offering him a contract extension beyond 2026. Hamilton, who has failed to reach the podium in the twenty races held this season, is going through his worst run in more than a decade. His only victory came in the Chinese Sprint, a result that was not enough to quell the criticism or comparisons with his teammate Charles Leclerc, who has had a more consistent performance.

“As for Hamilton, several important figures in the paddock have suggested to ESPN that, given his performance, the seven-time world champion will not be offered a new contract when his current one expires at the end of 2026,” the sports network revealed.

Further analysis adds: “It seems like a premature prediction, but what is clear is that something hasn't worked between the British driver and the Italian team this year, even if his overall pace compared to Leclerc hasn't been as bad as some critics have suggested.”

Bearman and Russell, the names being mentioned in Maranello

With a contract worth approximately 49 million euros per year, Hamilton is guaranteed to stay at Ferrari until 2026. However, Corriere della Sera reported that the future of The British driver's future will depend on further negotiations, as his contract does not include an automatic extension until 2027. Among the possible alternatives, the name of Oliver Bearman has emerged. The young British driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy and current Haas driver made a strong impression on the team. "Of course, that is my goal in life [...] that is my motivation, truly, to be able to achieve it someday. But there are many steps along the way, and currently my career is with Haas," said Bearman, leaving the door open for a future promotion.

Frederic Vasseur, head of Ferrari, recently highlighted his performance:“He didn't make any mistakes and it's paying off.”

Another name on the radar is George Russell. According to Motorsport and Corriere della Sera, Ferrari would consider recruiting him if Hamilton's departure materializes. Russell has a contract with Mercedes until 2027 under a performance clause, but he could be released if the German team manages to sign Max Verstappen, a move that would completely reshape the Formula 1 landscape.

The situation also affects Charles Leclerc, who is considering his future after six seasons without a title. Amid the uncertainty, Ferrari faces pressure to regain its competitiveness, while John Elkann, the group's president, reiterated his “full confidence” in Vasseur despite the disappointing results.