Russell Tipped as Hamilton's Ferrari Successor in 2027

In the ever-churning rumor mill of Formula 1, a tantalizing whisper is gaining traction: Mercedes ace George Russell (pictured) could be the man to slide into Lewis Hamilton’s scarlet cockpit at Ferrari come 2027, potentially ushering in a seismic British handover at Maranello.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Italian insiders, via Corriere della Sera (printed newspaper version), have reportedly placed the 27-year-old Brit high on Ferrari’s wishlist, viewing his blistering form—highlighted by victories in Canada and a dominant Singapore Grand Prix—as the perfect tonic for a team desperate to end its championship famine.

The plot thickens with Hamilton’s rocky debut season in red. The seven-time world champion, now 40, is mired in sixth place with just 146 points and a frustrating 20-race podium drought, 64 behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

His multi-year deal, inked with fanfare last year, carries an option for 2027, but Ferrari’s brass is said to be cooling on an extension amid the underwhelming results—fueling speculation that the door could swing open for fresh blood just as Hamilton chases that elusive eighth title.

“Lewis has no intention of stopping anytime soon,” one source close to the team quipped, but in F1, performance talks louder than promises.

Enter Russell, the polished Mercedes prodigy who’s fourth in the standings with two wins under his belt this year. His recent contract renewal with the Silver Arrows locks him in only through 2026, with performance clauses that could extend it to 2027—or leave him as a free agent if Toto Wolff pulls off a coup for Max Verstappen.

If Mercedes lands the Dutch maestro, Russell becomes expendable, and Ferrari’s “unexpected approach” could be the siren call he can’t ignore. Picture it: A full Scuderia reset, with Leclerc’s own frustrations over Ferrari’s 2008 title drought possibly prompting his exit, paving the way for Russell to pair with… well, who knows? Oliver Bearman? The plot thickens.

Fans are split down the middle on this potential bombshell. While some salivate at the idea of Russell’s raw speed injecting new life into Ferrari’s ambitions, others are chanting for homegrown talent like Bearman to claim the throne.

“Unless Charles leaves, the Lewis seat is Ollie’s to lose,” one X user fired off, echoing a chorus of sentiment that Bearman has “earned his shot” after standout runs in a backmarker Haas.

Yet, with Russell’s star power and Mercedes’ Verstappen fixation stirring the pot, the rumor refuses to fade. Could 2027 dawn with Russell in Red, turning Hamilton’s Ferrari dream into a mere pit stop? The paddock’s holding its breath—stay tuned, because in F1, today’s whisper is tomorrow’s wheel-to-wheel reality.