Ferrari already have ready-made Lewis Hamilton replacement amid concerns over his age

Amid concerns that may be suffering a decline as he gets older, have been reminded that they already have a ready-made replacement for their new superstar.

Hamilton will join Ferrari next year after he brings to an end a trophy-laden career with . He won six of his seven drivers' titles racing Silver Arrows machines, but the end of their partnership looks set to be something of an anti-climax.

After the last race, the , the Brit said his car was "the worst" he has ever driven. Three rounds remain in his final season with the team and, though there will be celebrations of their time together in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton seems unlikely to find much more joy on track in a Mercedes.

While Hamilton put the blame on his car, two Q1 exits in three Grand Prix qualifying sessions, plus his own admission that he has struggled over one lap this season, have led to comments being made and questions being raised over whether age is starting to catch up to the F1 legend.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

His own boss at Mercedes, . Speaking to Matt Whyman, author of new book Inside Mercedes F1, the Austrian said of Hamilton's decision to leave: "It helps us because it avoids the moment where we need to tell the sport's most iconic driver that we want to stop.

"There is a reason why we only signed a one-plus-one-year contract. We are in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important and I believe everyone has a shelf life, so I need to look at the next generation."

Externally, there has also been criticism, who said: " is past his prime. He blamed his car for his tail-end qualifying session [in Brazil] but his team-mate, , was on the front row. Of course, it is possible that because Lewis is moving to Ferrari next year, the team are filling his fuel tank with lemon barley water instead of petrol. But that seems unlikely. It is far more probable that he is now too old."

Such statements will be a concern to Ferrari who may worry that they are getting an outstanding driver at a time when he is no longer at his best. But their former driver has reminded them that teenager Oliver Bearman is already on the books, will race in F1 full-time with customer team Haas next season and has already shown the he has the talent to perhaps one day take over.

The Northern Irishman said of 19-year-old Bearman: "He That is a really good sign for next year which is going to be important for him at Haas to try and dominate [Esteban] Ocon. That is exciting as it is another Brit. and potentially down the line with his relationship with Ferrari, who knows?

"He could be joining Ferrari at the end of Lewis' time there, whenever that may be. So, there is a good replacement already there and Ferrari are very aware that he is someone they want to give a chance to when the opportunity arises."