Ferrari Names Oliver Bearman as Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement for British Grand Prix Amid Injury Concerns
Ferrari has officially confirmed that British reserve driver Oliver Bearman will step in to replace Lewis Hamilton for the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This announcement follows ongoing health issues for Hamilton, who has been experiencing persistent back pain due to an injury sustained earlier in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The news comes as a surprise to many in the paddock and among fans, especially as Hamilton had recently shown signs of regaining competitiveness after a shaky start to his debut season with Ferrari. Despite his efforts to adapt to the Ferrari car and find consistency, his condition has reportedly worsened in recent weeks, prompting the team to prioritize his long-term health and performance.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur explained that the decision to sideline Hamilton was made after comprehensive medical evaluations. “After consulting with our medical staff and speaking at length with Lewis, we mutually agreed that the best course of action is for him to rest and recover fully,” Vasseur said. “Our championship ambitions rely on a fully fit Hamilton, and we believe giving him the time to heal is crucial.”
With Hamilton temporarily out, all eyes turn to 19-year-old Oliver Bearman, a promising talent from the Ferrari Driver Academy. Bearman has already garnered attention for his performances in Formula 2 and impressed during previous free practice sessions with Ferrari. His only prior Formula 1 race appearance came in 2024 when he briefly substituted for Haas during a last-minute call-up.
Now, Bearman faces the immense challenge of competing in a full Grand Prix weekend for Ferrari—one of the sport’s most iconic teams—at his home race. The pressure will be intense, but Ferrari’s confidence in the young driver is clear. “Oliver has shown great maturity and skill in every opportunity he’s had,” said Vasseur. “We’re confident he’ll handle this moment with the professionalism and drive we expect.”
For Hamilton, missing the British Grand Prix is particularly disappointing. Silverstone holds special meaning for him, having claimed eight career victories there—more than any other driver in history. This race would have been another shot for him to close the gap to both teammate Charles Leclerc and title contender Max Verstappen, but the lingering effects of his Monaco crash, which triggered the back issues, have made continued participation unsafe.
Despite some bright moments in 2025, including a podium finish in Bahrain and a standout qualifying session in Canada, Hamilton’s adaptation to the Ferrari car has been a mixed affair. Mechanical reliability and the learning curve of a new team have added to the difficulties. With his condition deteriorating, Ferrari has taken a proactive approach to ensure their star driver can return fully prepared for the latter half of the season.
The switch has also sparked speculation about Ferrari’s long-term driver strategy. Although Hamilton’s contract runs through 2026, Bearman’s promotion to a race seat—especially at a Grand Prix of such stature—signals that Ferrari is keen to evaluate their future prospects. A strong showing at Silverstone could elevate Bearman’s status and increase conversations about a more permanent place on the grid in coming years.
Still, Ferrari remains committed to Hamilton as a central figure in their plans. “Lewis remains a vital part of our vision,” said Vasseur. “He’s a true champion, and we expect him to return stronger and more determined.”
In the meantime, preparations at Silverstone are in full swing. Bearman has joined Leclerc for simulator runs and pre-race setup meetings as the team looks to maintain momentum in the Constructors’ Championship. The British Grand Prix offers a golden opportunity for the young Brit to show what he can do on the world stage—especially with the support of a passionate home crowd behind him.
As fans gear up for the action at Silverstone, the spotlight now shines on Bearman and his debut as a Ferrari race driver. Whether he can deliver under pressure remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this weekend marks a pivotal moment in both his career and Ferrari’s 2025 campaign.
