When the seven-time world champion made his blockbuster switch to Maranello at the start of 2025, Ferrari never disclosed the exact terms, leading most to believe they had secured him on an initial two-year contract covering the final year of the current rules before the major 2026 overhaul.
A challenging debut campaign has seen Hamilton endure a frustrating adaptation period, setting an unwanted record for the most consecutive grands prix without a podium for drivers joining Ferrari, a streak that now stands at 21 races.
Those struggles, combined with the impressive recent form of Haas rookie and former Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman, sparked whispers that the Scuderia could turn to the young Briton as a potential replacement from 2027 if results failed to improve.
Hamilton, however, has now made it clear that talks of an exit are premature. When asked about potential contract negotiations and whether they might hinge on 2026 performance, he told media: “I have a pretty long contract.
“Normally, when you do a contract, usually the year before you start to talk about it. I’m a little bit far from that right now.”
Pressed on whether discussions could begin next year, Hamilton replied simply: “No.”
Bearman has turned heads with a strong end to his rookie season at Haas, hauling in 24 of his 40 points across the last four rounds, including a standout fourth in Mexico that briefly erased penalty points threatening a race ban. He now sits on nine super licence points after a clash with Liam Lawson added one more, but remains in contention for a top-10 finish in the drivers’ standings.
Hamilton has spoken warmly of Bearman’s progress, calling his Mexico drive “amazing” and adding that he was “so happy for him”. He went on: “But also, his first race, the progress he’s been making, and [he is] a really nice lad, great approach, very approachable.
“That car, I think they [Haas] have done a great job over the course of the year. They’ve obviously developed well as well, and I’m very excited to see his future.”
With the paddock heading to the glittering lights next, the Formula 1 circus rolls into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, 50 laps of the 6.201-kilometre Strip Circuit on November 22.
