Ferrari announce NEW signing ahead of Hamilton arrival

Ferrari has been advised that a replacement for Lewis Hamilton may already be in place, even as Hamilton prepares to join the team for the upcoming Formula 1 season. The British driver, leaving Mercedes after years of success, will be Ferrari’s first full-time British driver since Eddie Irvine in 1999.

This potential successor is Oliver Bearman, a young British talent nurtured in Ferrari’s driver development program. Bearman made headlines when he became the first Briton to drive for Ferrari in Formula 1 since Irvine, stepping in for Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined due to an emergency appendectomy. In his debut race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bearman impressed with a seventh-place finish, showcasing his adaptability and potential.

Beyond his debut, Bearman gained additional experience when he temporarily replaced Kevin Magnussen at Haas due to Magnussen’s suspension and subsequent illness. Notably, Bearman scored a point in Baku and has been consistent in his other appearances, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in the sport. For the upcoming season, Bearman is set to drive alongside Esteban Ocon at Haas, where he will focus on developing his skills and competing within the Formula 1 field. Despite his current alignment with Haas, Bearman remains closely connected to Ferrari as a part of its driver development roster, leaving the door open for future opportunities with the Italian team.

Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver and three-time Grand Prix winner, believes Bearman possesses the qualities needed to succeed at Ferrari. Herbert highlighted Bearman’s performance in Brazil as evidence of his talent, noting that despite his limited experience with the circuit, Bearman quickly adapted and topped the leaderboard during practice sessions. According to Herbert, Bearman’s speed and composure in a challenging environment indicate that he has the potential to handle the demands of Formula 1’s upper echelons.

For Ferrari, Bearman’s development is a promising sign, particularly as the team prepares to welcome Hamilton. Herbert suggests that Bearman’s continued growth could make him a natural fit to step into Hamilton’s role when the time comes. Ferrari appears well-aware of Bearman’s potential, maintaining its support for the young driver as he progresses in his career.

Ferrari’s future with Hamilton at the wheel is eagerly anticipated, but the Scuderia seems mindful of the value in nurturing talent for the long term. Bearman’s ongoing development at Haas, combined with his Ferrari backing, means he is well-positioned to step up should a spot open at Ferrari. This foresight could provide the team with stability when Hamilton’s tenure eventually concludes.

As Bearman prepares for his first full season alongside Ocon at Haas, his focus will be on gaining experience and, ideally, outpacing his teammate. Herbert suggests that Bearman’s adaptability and speed are already apparent and will continue to improve as he gains track time.

In summary, Ferrari may already have a successor in place for when Hamilton eventually decides to leave Formula 1. Bearman’s performances in his debut season, coupled with his Ferrari connections, indicate he could be ready for a role with the Scuderia in the future. Herbert’s confidence in Bearman underscores the driver’s potential, with Ferrari closely monitoring his development. The 2024 season will be pivotal for Bearman, who has the chance to further demonstrate his capabilities and perhaps secure a long-term place within Ferrari’s plans.