(Motorsport-Total.com) – Oliver Bearman is one of the most exciting young talents in Formula 1. But although the 21-year-old Brit, who currently drives for Haas, is already closely linked to Ferrari as a Ferrari junior, the path to the hoped-for regular seat with the Reds next year (Drivers and Teams of the 2027 Formula 1 season) remains blocked.
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Because Charles Leclerc recently extended his contract with the Italians long-term, and Lewis Hamilton is currently experiencing a second spring after his surprising win in Barcelona. This means Bearman will likely have to wait at least another year for his chance in the coveted Ferrari cockpit.
Is that reason enough to look for alternatives? According to Sky-Sports-F1 commentator David Croft, Bearman is being “watched very closely” especially by Red Bull. Accordingly, the racing team could consider the Brit as a possible successor to Max Verstappen, should the Dutchman actually leave his team after this season.
Bearman himself is however putting the brakes on. “First of all, it is very flattering to hear something like that in connection with an incredibly successful team like Red Bull,” says the Brit ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. “And it’s nice to be linked with them – even if it’s just rumors.”
Ralf Schumacher: Bearman would be “my first choice”
The theory is not entirely unlikely: “He has great potential and a clear head, is likeable and in my opinion deserves a chance in a good car,” praises expert Ralf Schumacher in the Sky podcast Backstage Boxengasse and sees Bearman as a strong alternative to Verstappen.
“If it were possible to get him, Oliver Bearman would be my first choice if you think you can’t rely on [Isack] Hadjar. At least I would say you can rely on him.” The problem: Bearman is under contract with Ferrari.
The Brit has been part of the Ferrari junior academy since 2022 and has been closely tied to the Scuderia ever since, including a race start as a replacement for the ill Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia 2024. “The only question is why Ferrari should release him – that is beyond my imagination,” says Schumacher.
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“If Hamilton only drives for one more year, then the question is why you would give up such a jewel.” In fact, there is currently little to suggest that Ferrari would let their junior go. And Bearman himself does not hide that his future ideally lies in red, even if it does not look that way at the moment.
Bearman has “no contract yet for next year”
“Well, I hope so,” says the current Haas driver nonetheless. “I don’t have the final say, let’s put it that way. But Ferrari trusted me from the start of my time in Formula 3 and also put me in this car for 2024. They are actually the reason I am here now.”
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“At the moment I enjoy my work at Haas. And the faster I am now, the easier I make it for myself in the future,” adds Bearman and reveals: “At the moment I still have no contract for next year. So I am basically still in the dark.”
Is Bearman therefore completely free for the 2027 season and could take any path, including to Red Bull? “No, I didn’t say that,” the Brit hints that the connection to Ferrari apparently still exists next year – and only the question about the possible regular cockpit for 2027 remains to be clarified.
Bearman rejects the speculation about a possible move to Red Bull. “They are just rumors,” repeats the Ferrari junior, “and I am fully focused on my current work here at Haas.”
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