Key takeaways
- Hamilton extension imminent: Ferrari is close to announcing a two-year extension for Lewis Hamilton, keeping him in Red through 2028.
- Bearman’s path blocked: Oliver Bearman’s dream of a race seat at Maranello could be delayed until at least 2029, prompting potential exits from Ferrari’s umbrella.
- Internal competition: Rising star Rafael Câmara is emerging as a direct threat, vying for a Haas seat in 2027 and future Scuderia backing.
Although his seat at Haas is secure for the 2027 Formula 1 season, Oliver Bearman faces a pivotal week regarding his ultimate dream of earning a promotion to Ferrari. The Italian squad is on the verge of announcing a two-year contract extension for Lewis Hamilton, which could effectively end the young Briton’s long-term ties with Maranello.
According to reports from German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, Bearman—a standout product of the Ferrari Driver Academy—impressed during his emergency debut substituting for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. After landing a full-time seat with Ferrari customer team Haas in 2025, his sights have remained set on the red suit.
However, Ferrari extended Charles Leclerc’s contract beyond 2029, and Hamilton’s resurgence this season—claiming his first win in red and holding second place in the Drivers’ Championship—has made a contract extension through at least 2028 all but certain. An official announcement is expected this weekend in Italy.
With his Ferrari umbrella contract reportedly extending through 2027, failure to secure a path to Maranello for 2028 would allow Bearman to negotiate freely with rival teams on the grid.
Adding pressure to his position, Ferrari is turning its attention to Rafael Câmara as a candidate for Haas’s second seat alongside Esteban Ocon for 2027. The Brazilian prospect is viewed internally as one of junior racing’s brightest talents and a direct rival to Bearman for future Ferrari opportunities.
This storyline comes during a busy period in motorsport, alongside Pato O’Ward’s doubleheader sweep at Milwaukee and Álex Palou securing his fifth IndyCar crown.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, September 4–6, at Monza for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix (Round 13). GRANDE PRÊMIO will provide complete live coverage. Follow all updates on our news page.
Ferrari & Haas Driver Contract Outlook (2026–2028)
| Driver | Current Team | Contract Status | Primary Target / Option |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | Signed Beyond 2029 | Ferrari (Primary Lead) |
| Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | Expected extension through 2028 | Ferrari |
| Oliver Bearman | Haas | Secured through 2027 | Free Agent for 2028 if unpromoted |
| Esteban Ocon | Haas | Under contract | Haas |
| Rafael Câmara | FDA / Junior | Candidate for 2027 Haas seat | Haas / Ferrari Program |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Is Lewis Hamilton extending his contract with Ferrari?
Reports indicate Ferrari is prepared to announce a two-year extension keeping Lewis Hamilton with the team through 2028.
2. When does Oliver Bearman’s current deal under Ferrari expire?
Bearman’s agreement under the Ferrari driver umbrella runs through the end of the 2027 season, after which he can negotiate with other teams.
3. When is the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza?
The Italian Grand Prix takes place from September 4–6, 2026, serving as Round 13 of the World Championship.
