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F1 LIVE | Hamilton's potential heir F1 2026 promotion confirmed, Permane on why Lawson was chosen over Tsunoda

07:00, 04 Dec

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byNorberto Mujica

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LiveBlog

Vasseur confirms Hamilton's potential Ferrari heir will get F1 2026 promotion

As Lewis Hamilton approaches the end of his career, with the seven-time champion set to complete his most difficult Formula 1 season to date, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has indicated that the team is preparing its next young talent.

In Qatar, Vasseur highlighted the Scuderia Ferrari Academy driver Rafael Camara, who won the Formula 3 title in his debut season and who will move to Formula 2 in 2026.

Vasseur confirmed Camara will be integrated further into Ferrari’s programme through FP1 outings and TPC testing. He added that maintaining too many young drivers of the same generation “makes no sense” for the team.

Permane explains why Lawson was chosen over Tsunoda for 2026

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has detailed why the team selected Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda for its 2026 Formula 1 seat.

Speaking to F1, Permane praised Lawson’s performances in what he described as challenging circumstances throughout the 2025 season, citing qualifying sessions in Las Vegas and Baku as examples of where the New Zealander excelled.

He said Lawson has consistently demonstrated strong race pace and the capability to operate at a high level when conditions allowed. Red Bull evaluated both Lawson and Tsunoda during the season before confirming Lawson will remain with Racing Bulls for 2026.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, will shift to a reserve driver role at Red Bull Racing. Permane added his focus will be on helping Lawson reach his performance ceiling more consistently.

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