- Reports emerge outlining three potential candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton.
- Hamilton’s retirement remains uncertain despite rumours ahead of Silverstone.
- Guenther Steiner predicts an eighth-title realization will dictate Hamilton’s exit.
A new report suggests that Ferrari are now eyeing three potential candidates out of an extensive list that could potentially replace Lewis Hamilton if he decides to retire.
This report surfaced amid rumours that Hamilton is expected to make a career-related announcement at Silverstone towards the end of the season. His contract is said to run at least through the 2027 season. If he retires before or after that, the Italian team reportedly has its sights set on whom to approach.
As the retirement decision continues to swirl, Hamilton has previously debunked it, making it clear that his passion for racing hasn’t faded. He mentioned that he still has a dream to pursue, and that gives him motivation to stay in sports for a few more years.
Who are the three candidates that Ferrari aims to succeed Hamilton?
According to Blick, the three candidates under consideration are ex-Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, Haas’ Oliver Bearman, and, of course, Max Verstappen. The now Williams driver, who won two races in red in his final year, had to quit the team as Hamilton signed a contract with them, after leaving Mercedes. For the entire season, he gave his best to keep the seat and to deliver while his season lasted, but was seemingly “hurt” by their unexpected decision. Nonetheless, Sainz proved that he is a wonderful driver, given that he secured two podiums in his first year at Williams.
Bearman continues to remain a strong contender, given his strong performance as a Ferrari reserve driver and his association with their academy. He recently revealed that he’s consistently working on his racecraft to gain the Italian team’s attention and give them a reason to choose him for the seat. About Max Verstappen, he’s the most sought-after candidate, and any team would be more than happy to sign him at any time — and Ferrari is no different in that regard.
Retirement realisation might hit Hamilton when he discovers one important thing
Former Haas principal, Guenther Steiner, believes that the season start was good for Hamilton. However, he claims that his decision to retire will depend on how much success he wants to achieve, even after securing 7 titles. He said that he has nothing to prove to anyone now, because that work has already been done in the past, but what he needs to prove is to himself that he still has what it takes.
Reflecting on when a possibility of retirement might hit him, he elaborated, “At some stage, he will say he’s had enough of this, but I think when he realizes that he cannot win the 8th world championship in a Ferrari, that is when he will say, ‘I want to stop,’ and that’s when a seat will open up for Bearman.”
Currently, Hamilton is among the top 5 in the championship battle.
