Ferrari Confirm Lewis Hamilton Replacement for British GP Due to H…read more
Ferrari has officially announced that reserve driver Oliver Bearman will replace Lewis Hamilton at the upcoming British Grand Prix, marking a major change in the team’s lineup for the race weekend at Silverstone. The decision follows confirmation that Hamilton will sit out the event due to health concerns after ongoing discomfort from a back injury sustained earlier in the season.
The news comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Hamilton’s recent drive to regain form with the Scuderia after a mixed start to the 2025 Formula 1 campaign. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur stated that the decision was made with the long-term interest of the team and the driver in mind, citing the importance of ensuring Hamilton is fully fit before returning to racing.
“After medical consultation and close evaluation, we’ve agreed it’s best for Lewis to focus on recovery,” said Vasseur. “His health and performance are key to our championship goals. Oliver has proven himself ready and we trust he’ll step in professionally.”
Bearman, the highly rated British talent, has already impressed in free practice sessions and junior series, and is widely viewed as a future F1 star. This will be his second appearance in a Formula 1 race weekend, having previously filled in briefly for another team in 2024. Ferrari’s decision to give Bearman a full Grand Prix weekend opportunity signals strong confidence in his development.
For Hamilton, the withdrawal is a disappointing moment in what has been a challenging season so far. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a podium finish in Bahrain and a strong qualifying performance in Canada, he has struggled to consistently challenge the front-runners due to car reliability and adaptation to the Ferrari setup. The back injury, sustained during a high-speed incident in Monaco, has worsened in recent weeks and contributed to noticeable discomfort during recent Grands Prix.
The British Grand Prix, a race Hamilton has won an impressive eight times in his career, would have been another opportunity to close the performance gap to his teammate Charles Leclerc and championship leader Max Verstappen. Instead, the spotlight will now shift to Bearman and how he handles the pressure of a top-tier seat at a prestigious and demanding home circuit.
Ferrari’s move also sparks fresh speculation about their long-term driver strategy. While Hamilton is under contract until the end of 2026, Bearman’s strong performance at Silverstone could intensify discussions around the team’s future lineup. For now, the team insists Hamilton remains central to their vision.
“Lewis is an exceptional champion, and he remains fully committed to our project,” Vasseur added. “We expect him to return stronger and more motivated.”
Preparations are already underway at Silverstone as Bearman joins Leclerc in pre-race simulator work and car setup discussions. All eyes will be on the young British driver to see how he fares under the weight of Ferrari’s expectations in front of a home crowd at one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits.
Ferrari fans will be hoping Bearman can score valuable points and keep the team competitive in the Constructors’ Championship while Hamilton takes the time he needs to recover fully
