Why Ferrari already has Lewis Hamilton's natural successor in house – Johnny Herbert

11/11/2024 01:55 PM

Although the 2027 Formula 1 championship is still a few years away, when Lewis Hamilton is expected to hang up his helmet at the age of 42, Ferrari may already have his natural replacement lined up.

Ferrari already holds a brilliant talent in the Driver Academy
According to Johnny Herbert, Oliver Bearman is the designated heir who will step into the seven-time world champion’s seat in 2028, when the Briton will have just turned 23 and will already have several years of experience as an official Formula 1 driver.

The young FDA talent, who scored points this year in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah circuit with Scuderia Ferrari and again at the Baku City circuit in Azerbaijan with Haas, has shown remarkable competitiveness and adaptability, especially considering his limited experience.

"For me, the real proof of what he can do was in Brazil, a circuit he'd never raced on before," said the former British driver to Vision4Sport – "It's a challenging track, and he was practically on top. He finished at the front in Friday’s practice, and in two laps, he was leading the timesheets. He seems able to adapt and demonstrate speed. This is a very good sign for next year, which will be crucial for him at Haas as he aims to outshine Esteban Ocon." – he pointed out.

Johnny Herbert added: "It's an exciting prospect because he's another Brit, and potentially, thanks to his connection with Ferrari, who knows, he could join them at the end of Lewis’s time there, when the moment comes. So, Ferrari already has a good replacement and knows he's a driver they want to give an opportunity to when it arises." – concluded the British former racing driver and broadcaster who competed in Formula One from 1989 to 2000.

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