Lewis Hamilton has not yet arrived at Ferrari, and Johnny Herbert is already thinking about replacing him.
The FIA commissioner, at the center of a recent controversy against Verstappen father and son who accuse him of bias, continues to speak out in the media, to the great dismay of the Dutch.
For Michael Schumacher's former teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who will turn 40 in January, will not go beyond his three-year contract with Ferrari.
And to replace him, Herbert believes that Ferrari has already found his replacement: Oliver Bearman. The young Briton has already replaced Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia, then Kevin Magnussen twice this year, and he did well (except in the race, in the rain in Brazil).
“What proved to me what Bearman could accomplish was in Brazil, on a circuit he had never been to,” Herbert nevertheless declared.
“It’s a difficult circuit, and he mastered it very quickly. From the first free practice session on Friday, he was at the top of the standings within two laps. He seems able to adapt and show speed, which is very promising for next year, where he will have to try to dominate Ocon at Haas. »
“It's exciting because he's another Brit and, potentially, with the links he has with Ferrari, who knows? He could join Ferrari at the end of Lewis' contract – whenever that happens. Ferrari are well aware that this is someone they want to give a chance to when the opportunity presents itself. »
Does this mean that Herbert does not believe in Lewis Hamilton's potential to succeed at Ferrari?
“Lewis will look to start strong and positive. Does he still have what it takes? I think so,” he said.
“For Lewis it will be something new. His relationship with Fred Vasseur [patron de l’équipe Ferrari] will be positive and beneficial for the team. He really respects him. »
“Then there is Charles to manage, which will really motivate him. It's all about motivation for a driver. »
“This should be a good start for Ferrari given their current position. They need to tweak a few things to ensure overall consistency, but the car has the speed to win races, as Charles has proven. »
Does Mercedes F1 favor Russell over Hamilton?
In the meantime, the end of Lewis Hamilton's career at Mercedes F1 ends in suffering. At the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix, he even delivered an enigmatic message, saying it was a shame to have to end his journey with Mercedes F1 with this level of performance. A message which sparked talk of an early departure from Lewis Hamilton, but which was quickly denied.
The fact remains that Lewis Hamilton is eager to leave for Herbert…
“Lewis Hamilton told Qatar he is looking forward to Christmas. It's very confusing. There are times when he shows off his raw speed and then it all disappears. How and why does this happen? This is what I don't understand. The car is a bit unstable anyway, and George has similar problems. »
“I would be surprised if a driver said he wanted to quit just because things weren't going well. He will always want to finish on a high note for the team he has accomplished so much with over the years. He doesn't abandon them, that's not his style. I would have been very surprised if someone else took his place before the end of the season. »
In any case according to Herbert, Lewis Hamilton would be annoyed because George Russell received preferential treatment at Mercedes F1…
“Lewis was nearing the end of his time at Mercedes, and George is the future, with Antonelli set for next season. They favor George and a lot of energy and effort comes from him. They want him to feel as positive as possible before next season, when he will be the leader of the team, and he is proving that he is capable. »
