Ferrari faces growing pressure to explore new driver options as Lewis Hamilton’s struggles continue in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has urged the Italian team to seriously contemplate signing Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto when Hamilton eventually departs. The focus keyword, Lewis Hamilton Ferrari replacement options, is at the heart of this unfolding discussion.
Since his move from Mercedes to Ferrari last winter, Hamilton has endured a difficult start, failing to secure a podium finish in his first 14 races with the Scuderia. Although Hamilton’s contract reportedly extends through 2026, his comments during the Hungarian Grand Prix cast uncertainty over his future with the team.
Hamilton’s mounting frustrations amid Ferrari challenges
The seven-time World Champion expressed deep dissatisfaction with his performance following a poor qualifying session at Hungary, where he started 12th while teammate Charles Leclerc clinched pole. Hamilton described himself as useless and hinted that Ferrari should contemplate a replacement for him. He also revealed tensions within the team, stating,
There’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great.
—Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver
These remarks reflect a turbulent atmosphere at Ferrari, intensifying speculation about Hamilton’s future amid his ongoing challenges adapting to the team.
Rising star Gabriel Bortoleto’s rapid ascent to Formula 1
Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto has attracted attention with his impressive debut season at Sauber, the team soon to be rebranded under Audi. Having won both the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in 2023 and 2024 respectively, Bortoleto followed a path reminiscent of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who secured the same back-to-back titles before entering F1.
At 20 years old, Bortoleto has scored points in three of the last four races, demonstrating strong potential alongside experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg. Managed by Aston Martin’s two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, the Brazilian driver has quickly gained recognition for his talent.
Bernie Ecclestone urges Ferrari to wake up to Bortoleto’s potential
Bernie Ecclestone, with long-standing connections to Brazil, recently revealed he helped Bortoleto secure his Formula 1 seat. He described the rookie as worth his weight in gold and warned Hamilton risks cheating himself by prolonging his current career struggles. Ecclestone emphasized the importance of Ferrari acting decisively, saying,
The next driver question for the Italians needs to be resolved with the Brazilian.
—Bernie Ecclestone, former F1 supremo
Ecclestone highlighted the Brazilian’s strong performances despite driving for a midfield team, urging Ferrari to take note before it’s too late.
Fernando Alonso’s endorsement of Bortoleto as a standout rookie
Fernando Alonso echoed the sentiment, praising Bortoleto as
the best rookie of this generation
—Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin driver
Alonso criticized the lack of wider recognition for Bortoleto’s achievements, remarking,
If he was English or something, and finished sixth in a Sauber, he’d be in all the news. What he does is exceptional.
—Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin driver
Alonso’s comments draw attention to Bortoleto’s strong but sometimes overlooked performances in the highly competitive 2025 F1 season.
Contract complexities and the possibility of Hamilton’s retirement
Reports from Italy have suggested that Hamilton’s deal with Ferrari includes an option allowing him to extend through 2027 irrespective of results, limiting Ferrari’s control over his tenure. Despite this, it remains possible Hamilton might opt to retire after 2026 if he concludes he can no longer compete at the highest level.
Inside Ferrari: Team boss Fred Vasseur’s perspective on Hamilton’s difficulties
Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur offered insight into Hamilton’s tough debut season, indicating that the driver sometimes exaggerates issues with the car, which can negatively affect the team’s problem-solving approach. Vasseur explained,
Sometimes exaggerates the problems he sees in the car.
—Fred Vasseur, Ferrari team boss
He added that Hamilton’s emotional responses, such as those seen after qualifying in Hungary, can worsen the situation. Vasseur’s advice focuses on maintaining calm within the team and helping Hamilton manage setbacks better.
He described efforts to address minor car issues, noting how small differences — like half a tenth of a second in braking performance — can significantly impact qualifying results. Vasseur compared Hamilton’s demanding attitude to that of former driver Nico Hulkenberg, stating,
Nico Hulkenberg was the same when he drove for me in Formula 3. He demanded an awful lot from the team, but he was also there every morning at 6.30 a.m.
—Fred Vasseur, Ferrari team boss
Vasseur’s remarks suggest that while challenges exist, solutions are being actively pursued within Ferrari.
Implications of Ferrari’s driver decisions going forward
The growing debate over Lewis Hamilton Ferrari replacement options signals a potential turning point for the Scuderia. With Hamilton’s current struggles and contract conditions creating uncertainty, Ferrari may need to capitalize on emerging talents like Gabriel Bortoleto to secure their future competitiveness.
Bortoleto’s rapid progression and strong performances position him as a logical candidate should Ferrari seek fresh talent. The team’s response in the coming months could shape their driver lineup for years ahead and impact their pursuit of championships.