Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Future in Serious Doubt as Fo... Read more.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Future in Serious Doubt as Fo… Read more.

Lewis Hamilton’s dream move to Ferrari is no longer being framed as a long-term project inside Maranello. Instead, it is increasingly viewed as a short-term gamble that may already be nearing its crossroads. According to multiple paddock sources, Ferrari have begun actively planning for a future without the seven-time world champion, with a four-man replacement list now firmly in place.

Hamilton arrived at Ferrari amid historic fanfare, but the reality has fallen well short of expectations. Performance deficits, ongoing setup issues, and strategic confusion have limited his impact, while frustration has been evident in both his body language and radio exchanges. Internally, there is a growing belief that the partnership is not delivering at the level Ferrari anticipated and patience is wearing thin.

Despite public reassurances from team management, Ferrari’s actions behind the scenes tell a different story. Senior figures are reportedly aligned on one point: the team cannot afford to build its future around a driver nearing the end of his career if immediate progress is not visible. As a result, contingency planning has moved from theoretical to operational.

At the center of Ferrari’s plans is Charles Leclerc, who is now viewed as the undisputed long-term leader of the team. Should Hamilton’s tenure be cut short, Ferrari are prepared to restructure fully around Leclerc, giving him clear number-one status and tailoring car development to his preferences.

Also firmly on the list is Carlos Sainz, whose departure is increasingly being reconsidered internally. Sainz was valued for his consistency, race intelligence, and ability to extract results under pressure traits Ferrari now find themselves missing. A return would be politically awkward, but sources suggest it is no longer being dismissed.

Ferrari’s future bet remains Oliver Bearman. The young Briton has impressed team engineers and senior management alike, and his promotion is now seen as a matter of “when,” not “if.” If Hamilton exits earlier than planned, Bearman is considered a ready-made internal solution.

Completing the shortlist is Lando Norris, a driver Ferrari are believed to be monitoring closely. While contractually complex, Norris is regarded as the ideal blend of youth, speed, and marketability. Ferrari view him as a statement signing capable of leading the team into its next era.

Hamilton, meanwhile, remains outwardly defiant, insisting he can turn the situation around. But inside Ferrari, the mood is far more decisive than diplomatic. The team is preparing for change and doing so with urgency.

Unless results improve quickly, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter is shaping up to be far shorter than anyone imagined.