Photo: Liauzh — 2025 Japan GP - Ferrari - Lewis Hamilton - FP1. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo: Liauzh — 2025 Japan GP – Ferrari – Lewis Hamilton – FP1. CROPPED CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ferrari is not just a F1 team, it is a legend, a dream and a pressure cooker all in one. Every inch, every split-second decision carries the weight of decades of history, for Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia’s bright young star, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. But as Ferrari looks toward the future, the pressing question is, who should share the cockpit alongside him?
This is a decision that could define the next era of Ferrari, the drivers must not only be fast but also resilient, and willing to shoulder the intense expectations that come with the prancing horse.
Here’s a look at some of the most compelling candidades, each bringing their own unique story.
Actual Ferrari Drivers: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Leclerc is still young, and is a driver that Scuderia Ferrari needs, when he gets the chance, he always takes it. He is calm and fearless, he has delivered countless moments of brilliance, remains commited and determined to push Ferrari back to the top, any teammate must complement this fiery yet thoughtful driving style, someone who can push the car forward without clashing with his natural leadership on track.
Lewis Hamilton is a living legend, and althought speculation surrounds his future, he could remain a safe bet for Ferrari in the short term, perhaps another year or two. He brings a lot to Ferrari, he is kind of driver who can guide a team through transitional periods, offering both stability and insight, just like Schumacher to Mercedes from 2010 to 2012. Yet Ferrari must remember, eventually, the team needs a long term plan that extends beyond even the most accomplished veterans.
Max Verstappen: The Fighter Who Never Backs Down
Lately there have been rumours that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull in the near future, he is a four time world champion, yet his hunger for victory is insatiable.
He pushes every car to its limit and demands nothing less than perfection from his team, even on a slower day, he finds a way to fight at the front, so could he fit at Ferrari? In theory, yes, a driver with such determination could instantly evelate the team. A bold move, but the payoff could be historic, Ferrari always wanted best drivers in their team.
Gabriel Bortoleto: The Spirit of Senna Reborn
Bortoleto, currently racing for Sauber in F1, and he is one of the brightest young talents. A Brazilian through and through, he carries the daring spirit reminiscent of Senna, also former Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello said that Bortoleto is what Ferrari really needs.
This year in 2025, he is shown promise in battles through the midfield for siezing opportunities when they arise, Ferrari could norture him into a driver capable of taking the team into the future.
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Oliver Bearman: Ferrari Academy’s Rising Star
Bearman has already had a taste of Ferrari in F1 in a single race at the Saudi Arabian GP in 2024. Coming from the Ferrari Academy, he understands the culture, and the expectations of Maranello.
Bearman could be a great option for Scuderia Ferrari, he could easily grow into a reliable and exciting teammate for Leclerc in the coming years.
Oscar Piastri: The Cold-Blooded Assassin
Piastri is the kind of driver whose calm exterior hides ruthless efficiency, he is on the wishlist of every team, even Red Bull’s former principal, Christian Horner said that he is the first option for Red Bull in case Max leaves.
Some compare Piastri to Michael Schumacher for his calculated approach, others to Alain Prost for his quiet intellegence, on track he is meticulous, focused, always looking to score points and maximize every opportunity.
Piastri is the driver that Ferrari really needs for the future, disciplined competitor, a driver who wins without theatrics, letting results speak louder than headlines.
Isack Hadjar: The Rookie Phenom
Our last pick is Hadjar, he already turned heads this season, scoring a podium at Zandvoort and consistently running at the sharp end of races.
Even veterans like Hamilton have praised his potential, calling him one of the most impressive newcomers in years, a driver like Hadjar brings energy, talent, qualities Ferrari needs in its next-generation pairing.
The Next Chapter for Ferrari
Choosing a teammate for Leclerc is about more than speed, it is about temparament, vision and the ability to carry Ferrari’s legacy forward, from experienced champions like Verstappen to fearless youngsters like Bortoleto, Bearman, Piastri, and Hadjar, each driver brings a different promise.
The decision will not only determine race outcomes but will shape the culture, chemistry and identity of Ferrari in the next era.
One thing is clear, Ferrari must be bold, and forward-looking, blending experience with youth, fire with strategy and ambition with patience.
As fans, we can only watch, debate and imagine, but for Scuderia, the next move could define an era!
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