Regulatory changes often shake up the standings of Formula 1 drivers and constructors, with both fans and drivers eagerly anticipating the planned changes leading up to the new season.
As the next big regulatory shake-up looms, the spotlight has turned towards Maranello in particular.
Ferrari’s driver lineup is no longer considered a done deal with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Rumours from the Italian and worldwide press point to big changes from 2027, and the removal of one or both of Ferrari’s current superstars, as the Scuderia prepares for life beyond the Hamilton era.
New era and new regulations
Many Formula 1 fans may have come across wild speculations about which constructor would benefit the most from the upcoming regulatory changes, with punters even giving out tips long before the start of the new season.
It is safe to say that many of the top online bookmakers are already pricing these changes into the upcoming 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season’s betting markets.
Therefore, it is important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, as well as how the 2026 technical redesign, which radically shifts chassis design and introduces new power units, is expected to change the competitive order in Formula 1.
Every fan and driver will start next season with fresh aspirations, but with the understanding that the team that receives the first competitive advantage could be in the lead for years to come.
In its long-time pursuit of Red Bull and Mercedes, Ferrari cannot afford to come up short again like it did during previous F1 regulatory changes.
Hamilton’s short-term horizon
Lewis Hamilton, currently racing for Ferrari, will be 42 years old by 2027. While still fit and motivated to compete, there are scant few rational, objective voices in the paddock that see Hamilton as a long-term future driver for Ferrari.
While his contract can be extended beyond 2026, those extensions would depend on Scuderia Ferrari’s competitiveness under the new regulations, which can complicate things for both Ferrari and Hamilton.
It is also worth noting that Riccardo Corte, Hamilton’s former performance engineer, has been poached by Grove Racing of the Australian V8 Supercars Championship. Losing a long-time associate could potentially derail Hamilton’s long-term competitiveness, as such long-term partnerships are growing rare in the current market.
If the SF-26 proves it cannot challenge for victories and podium finishes, Ferrari would simply not take up the extension.
With the Scuderia Ferrari management wary of being locked into an aging rock star during a rebuilding phase, the likelihood of younger options being favoured is on the rise.
Decisive period for Leclerc
While Hamilton’s position rests on performance, Charles Leclerc’s could rely on patience. The Monegasque remains Ferrari’s emotional heartbeat. Leclerc is beloved by fans, respected by engineers, and emotionally invested in fulfilling his dream of bringing Ferrari back to the top of motorsport. But six straight seasons without a proper title push can test the patience of even the most dedicated professionals.
Reports from Italy and the U.S. indicate that Leclerc’s management, led by Nicolas Todt, has quietly opened discussions with Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin regarding contracts for 2027. Therefore, should Ferrari’s project fail, Leclerc could be on the move as soon as 2027, with his loyalty to the team and fans having run its natural course.
While Leclerc may be committed to achieving success with Ferrari in the short term, much of his commitment will depend on Ferrari’s results throughout the 2026 season. Therefore, both Hamilton and Leclerc leaving the Ferrari ranks by 2027 is not beyond the realm of possibility.
The key candidates for 2027
As rumours of possible departures of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc persist, Ferrari will need to find urgent alternatives to maintain competitiveness from 2027 onward.
Media speculation may highlight potential new fits every other week, but only a handful of viable options are currently accessible to Ferrari. Fortunately, neither is expected to dampen the title aspirations in Maranello.
Oscar Piastri
Arguably the main discovery of the 2025 season, Oscar Piastri has been amazing for McLaren, remaining in contention for the title throughout the entire season so far.
At only 24 years of age, Piastri still has a lot to prove, and Ferrari could be the best fit for him to thrive and fulfil both personal and team goals in 2027 and beyond.
The prospect of Piastri making the move to Ferrari is likely to become even more realistic if he fails to become champion against teammate Lando Norris by the 2025 season.
George Russell
George Russell’s departure from Mercedes would be another major move for the team in recent years. The 27-year-old could be looking for new challenges from 2027, especially if Mercedes chooses to go with a different pair to match the constructor’s new chassis.
Furthermore, Toto Wolff’s pursuit of Max Verstappen could mean an imminent departure for George Russell, who has emerged as the de facto leader of Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton left for Ferrari after the 2024 season.
Oliver Bearman
Arguably, the most interesting name on this list is 20-year-old Oliver Bearman. His fourth-place finish in the Mexico 2025 race was especially noteworthy, given the myriad of issues Haas faced throughout the season.
Multiple reports indicate that Ferrari is seriously considering promoting Bearman by 2027, especially if Hamilton departs.
With his youthful energy and drive, Bearman reminds many fans of Charles Leclerc when he was still only starting his career at Ferrari.
Strategic implications for Ferrari
The simultaneous departure of Hamilton and Leclerc is likely to have serious implications for Ferrari. However, a clean slate can also allow the team to rebuild with total strategic clarity.
The constant back-and-forth and hiring flashy talents could be replaced with investing in infrastructure and engineering for the long haul.
While Ferrari may not be under much financial pressure, another cycle of lofty expectations and disappointing results is something the brand cannot afford.
Regardless of which direction Ferrari takes, it will affect the team’s standing in the F1 pecking order for years to come, which is why a long-term vision is vital at this point.
There is also the potential for timing. If Red Bull’s stranglehold on the grid continues into the new rules, coveted early seats may be taken. If Ferrari reacts late, it could be left fighting over second-tier seats.
This is why the management is so focused on the 2026 season, even before completing a single lap with the 2026 car.
The bottom line
The 2026 regulatory changes in Formula One present Ferrari with several major decisions. On one hand, both Hamilton and Leclerc have valid reasons of their own to depart; on the other, the team needs to find a focal point to structure a long-term strategy around.
Does Ferrari stick with its old formula and keep chasing established stars, or invest in youth and long-term engineering to make sure the team stays competitive for years to come?
These two questions are at the heart of the Ferrari dilemma, and top management will have to come up with an answer in the coming months.
