Hamilton under spotlight as Ferrari eyes options for 2026

November 20, 2025 Oliver Obel

With only a few races remaining on the 2025 Formula One calendar, the sport’s attention is already shifting toward the major rule overhaul coming in 2026.

The new technical package is expected to significantly alter car behavior and team competitiveness, prompting early speculation about who each team wants in place for the transition.

That scrutiny has only intensified as Ferrari continues to battle inconsistency. According to PlanetF1, several factors have contributed to Hamilton’s difficulty adapting to the Ferrari package, including setup sensitivity and inconsistent race‑day pace.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported that Hamilton admitted the remainder of the season could be "painful" as the team works through ongoing car issues.

Amid these challenges, Hamilton’s troubled first year at Ferrari has become a focal point for both fans and paddock insiders. While the seven‑time world champion is still expected to remain with the team next season, the lack of standout results has pushed some observers to question how firm Ferrari’s long‑term commitment truly is.

A season short on highlights and clarity

Ferrari has struggled to extract consistent race pace this year a challenge underscored when Hamilton told Reuters he maintains “100% faith” in the team despite a series of setbacks. Even so, his individual performances have drawn scrutiny.

As noted by SPORTbible, he appears on course to finish 2025 without a podium, with fourth place his best outcome in Austria, Britain, and the United States.

The combination of team inconsistency and Hamilton’s own struggles has opened the door to discussion about possible alternatives debate amplified this week by former Formula One operations chief Richard Hopkins, who previously held senior roles with Red Bull and McLaren.

Speaking to SPORTbible in association with Ignition Casino, Hopkins said Ferrari should remain alert to opportunities on the current grid should they decide a change is necessary.

His comments echoed broader pressure around Ferrari management. ESPN, citing reporting originally highlighted by GPFans, noted that Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly urged Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc to “talk less, drive more,” reflecting heightened expectations within the team.

Inside McLaren’s shifting dynamics

Hopkins identified McLaren’s Oscar Piastri as the most compelling candidate if Ferrari ever chose to move on from Hamilton. He noted that tensions within McLaren particularly the hard‑fought rivalry between Piastri and teammate Lando Norris have reportedly led the Australian to reassess his long‑term position.

“If you're looking along the current grid, if Oscar falls out with McLaren, could Oscar be a really good choice? Probably could,” Hopkins said.

Although some outlets have linked Piastri to a potential future seat at Red Bull, Hopkins expressed skepticism. He argued that the team’s second car has become a notoriously difficult environment, one that may not appeal to established drivers.

“Would Oscar go to Red Bull? I don't think so,” he said. “Anybody who steps into that second seat at Red Bull it’s a poison chalice.”

Hopkins suggested Red Bull would likely lean toward a younger academy driver instead of recruiting a front‑running name, which could make Ferrari a more natural destination for someone like Piastri.

A rising rookie enters the conversation

Piastri wasn’t the only name Hopkins floated. He also pointed to Haas rookie Ollie Bearman as a driver worth monitoring. Bearman already has established ties to Ferrari through its academy structure, and his second‑half form has generated growing interest.

Hopkins highlighted the 19‑year‑old’s improved consistency and strong one‑lap pace, noting that he has out‑qualified teammate Esteban Ocon several times in recent weeks.

While Bearman is still developing, Hopkins argued that his blend of youth, composure, and early experience could make him an appealing medium‑term investment.

Why stability may outweigh risk for 2026

Despite raising alternative scenarios, Hopkins ultimately returned to the view that Ferrari’s best option may be the simplest: sticking with Hamilton.

With sweeping new regulations arriving in 2026, he believes Ferrari should rely on the experience and technical understanding of a veteran who has weathered multiple rule shifts, a quality teams routinely value during major periods of technical upheaval.

That stability, he suggested, could prove more valuable than gambling on a rising talent.

Sources: SPORTbible , PlanetF1, Sky Sports, Reuters, ESPN.