Oliver Bearman is often seen as the future replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari. The young Brit – who made his official F1 debut with Haas last year – has been part of the Scuderia’s driver academy for years. Although he is currently fully focused on his performance within the American team, he dreams of one day becoming world champion with Ferrari.
Read more Failed experiment? Mandatory two-stopper at Monaco GP scrapped for 2026
In the run-up to his second full season at Haas, Bearman speaks openly about his ambitions. The 20-year-old driver is one of the youngest drivers on the grid, but is nevertheless considered the heir apparent to Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion vowed to take revenge in 2026 after a disappointing first year at Ferrari, but it remains uncertain how long the 41-year-old Brit will remain active in Formula 1. Bearman, who is still under contract in Maranello through the Ferrari driver academy, is cautiously eyeing that coveted seat.
Substitute appearance
“I ultimately want to win races and championships, and I want to do that with Ferrari,” he recently declared to the British Express Sport. Two years ago, Bearman already got a taste of the Italian racing stable when he was unexpectedly allowed to fill in for Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard underwent surgery for appendicitis, which meant Bearman – still active in Formula 2 at the time – was called up at short notice as a replacement. During the race weekend in Saudi Arabia, he took charge of the final free practice, qualifying, and the race.
“It was a hectic weekend,” he looked back. “Everything went incredibly fast, but it was my first chance to really show what I could do in a Formula 1 car. I was therefore extremely excited.” Despite the minimal preparation, he qualified eleventh and eventually drove to a handsome seventh place, earning valuable points for Ferrari. “Although I only had one session to prepare, I was very satisfied with my performance. Especially in the race, I was quite fast. There was a lot of pressure on my shoulders, but you only get a chance like that once.”
Read more FIA settles engine discussion around Mercedes, changes regulations for 2026
Moving up to Ferrari?
Naturally, Bearman was asked about a possible return to Ferrari, this time with a permanent contract. “I don’t know anything,” he emphasized. “I am not in a position to negotiate my future. My goal is simple: to prove myself behind the wheel. The rest will follow naturally, I think. It is a huge honor to be linked with a Ferrari seat, but at this moment I have to make the most of my opportunities at Haas. The new regulations offer opportunities again this year to show something special.”
He concluded: “I have been incredibly lucky to have made my debut with Ferrari. That was one of the most special moments of my life. My biggest motivation is to one day get back into a red car and show what I am worth.”
Read more Cadillac names first F1 chassis after Mario Andretti: ‘Huge compliment’
View the 2026 F1 calendar here
