While Lewis Hamilton continues to evolve at Ferrari, Guenther Steiner believes that the Scuderia already has its natural successor: Oliver Bearman, considered ready for a top team.
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Oliver Bearman continues to climb rapidly in the Formula 1 hierarchy. At only 21 years old, the British driver is having a solid start to the season with Haas and confirms the expectations placed on him since his arrival in the Ferrari Driver Academy program.
With already 17 points after four Grands Prix in 2026 and 8th place in the drivers’ championship, Bearman impresses with his consistency and ability to fight in the midfield pack.
His notable performance in Shanghai, where he mixed it up with the top teams, reinforced the idea that he now has the foundation to aim higher.
Steiner believes he can aim for podiums and victories
Former Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner knows well the potential of the young British driver. For him, the conclusion is simple: Bearman has finished his learning phase and must now move to the next level.
“I think Oliver is now ready to go to a team where he can win races or at least aim for podiums”, Steiner said.
But the former manager tempers this enthusiasm by reminding of the driver’s age and the need not to rush too quickly in such a demanding environment as the front of the grid.
The direct link with Hamilton’s future at Ferrari
This rise comes as the future of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari remains a topic of speculation in the paddock.
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The seven-time world champion, under contract for several seasons, has shown progress in 2026 with notably a podium secured in China, but his long-term future in red will largely depend on the Scuderia’s ability to return to the top.
In this context, Steiner believes Bearman represents a natural option for Ferrari’s future.
“It would be good for Ferrari, because they have supported Bearman for a long time, and they could have a driver from their program in the car” he explains.
A succession still distant but already discussed
Even if no change is imminent, discussions around Hamilton’s succession show how much Ferrari is already preparing for the future.
Steiner however reminds that everything will depend on the length of the Briton’s career at Maranello.
“It all depends on how long Lewis stays” he concludes.
Meanwhile, Bearman continues to convince race after race that he is no longer just a promise… but already a credible option for a top team.
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