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70% of fans want Ferrari to sign Max Verstappen as Hamilton's successor
A recent poll reveals that nearly 70% of F1 fans want Ferrari to target Max Verstappen as the successor to Lewis Hamilton.
As the Formula 1 landscape looks toward the future, a clear consensus has emerged among the fanbase regarding the long-term direction of Ferrari. A recent poll has revealed that an overwhelming majority of supporters believe the Scuderia should prioritize securing four-time world champion Max Verstappen once Lewis Hamilton eventually departs the team.
According to the data, 69.7% of respondents advocate for Ferrari to pursue the Dutchman, signaling a strong preference for a proven, championship-caliber driver to lead the Maranello outfit. In contrast, only 30.3% of fans view rising talent Oliver Bearman as the preferred successor to the seven-time world champion.
The Hamilton timeline and future ambitions
Lewis Hamilton, currently 41, is under contract with Ferrari through 2027, with reports indicating a unilateral option for that final season. However, the timeline for his retirement remains fluid. Hamilton has publicly stated his intention to remain in the sport until Formula 1 returns to Africa, noting ahead of the Australian Grand Prix that he will not exit the grid before that milestone is achieved.
Verstappen’s stance on a potential move
While the prospect of a Verstappen-Ferrari partnership remains speculative, the driver himself has not ruled out the possibility. Addressing the potential for a future move, the four-time champion acknowledged that while no formal discussions are taking place due to existing driver contracts, he remains open to the future.
“There are a lot of chances in life for any kind of decision,” Verstappen remarked, though he maintained that his own long-term future in the sport remains uncertain, as he has yet to determine how much longer he intends to compete.
Ultimately, the poll results underscore a significant sentiment within the paddock and among the fanbase: when the time comes to replace a legend like Hamilton, the appetite for securing another established champion like Verstappen far outweighs the push for promoting emerging talent.