It is an open secret that Oliver Bearman is being groomed at Haas for a future role at Ferrari. The Englishman is still under contract with the Scuderia and already raced once in 2024 in red, when he was allowed to substitute for Carlos Sainz. Securing a permanent seat at Ferrari remains Bearman’s ‘ultimate goal,’ but as far as he is concerned, there is no expiration date on that dream. For now, he is fully focused on his duties at Haas.
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After his debut year, Bearman has again started the season strongly with the American team. In the first five races, he collected eighteen World Championship points, partly thanks to an impressive fifth place during the Chinese GP. The contrast with teammate Esteban Ocon is therefore large; the Frenchman has so far only one World Championship point to his name. Due to his close ties with Ferrari, it is widely known that Bearman is in line to eventually succeed Lewis Hamilton once the seven-time world champion announces his retirement.
No deadlines
The 41-year-old Hamilton, however, has sworn to remain active in Formula 1 for a long time. “Get used to it,” he grinned in Montreal. Nevertheless, Bearman is willing to wait patiently for his next chance at Ferrari. “There are no deadlines by which I have to have achieved something,” he confirmed to the Press Association. “I’m really not focused on that. I just want to become the best version of myself, give this team the best chance to compete, and keep enjoying it.”
When asked if he needs clarity about his future, now that several seats may become available during the summer break, Bearman emphasized that he wants to remain loyal to Ferrari. “Of course, I have a contract with Ferrari and they have trusted me from the start, so it makes sense that my ultimate goal is to stay with them. But right now, everything is about continuing to build with Haas; I’m super satisfied with the direction we’re taking. So no timetable, no problems,” he stressed. “I know many contracts expire at the end of this year, so I think the championship will be decisive for 2027. But I’m not concerned with that; I have people for that. I just drive the car.”
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Focus on performance
“I feel ready for whatever happens, and that’s what counts,” he explained. “Compared to twelve months ago, I have made great strides. It feels like I really continued from where I left off last year. Especially in terms of consistency, it’s much better.” According to Bearman, transfer rumors are only distracting. “My performance doesn’t improve if I get carried away by rumors and such. My main goal is to perform as well as possible because that naturally puts me in the best position for the future.”
Two years ago, Bearman already got a taste of the Italian team when he unexpectedly had to substitute for Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard underwent surgery for appendicitis, which meant Bearman – then still active in Formula 2 – was called up at short notice as a replacement. During the race weekend in Saudi Arabia, he took charge of the last free practice, qualifying, and the race. He qualified P11 but scored good points for Ferrari on Sunday by finishing seventh.
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