The future of Oliver Bearman at Ferrari seems increasingly uncertain in the short term, but the young Briton is encouraged by the performances of his former teammate in F2 Kimi Antonelli.
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Bearman was until now considered the natural heir to a seat at Maranello, Martin Brundle believes he should now consider a plan B.
A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2022, Bearman made his F1 debut with the Scuderia in 2024, replacing Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia and finishing seventh. After two other appearances with Haas, he became a full-time driver with the American team in 2025.
Blocked horizon in red?
Now in his second full season, the 21-year-old Briton could theoretically aspire to a promotion at Ferrari. But the prospects have become significantly more complicated: Charles Leclerc has just extended his long-term contract, while the resurgence of Lewis Hamilton seems to have pushed back any retirement prospects.
“Ollie might need a plan B, because Lewis and Charles are assured to stay at Ferrari for some time yet, says Brundle. There are also other fast young drivers coming up. Ollie Bearman was considered the future star, the natural heir in the Ferrari hierarchy, if you will.”
The Sky Sports F1 consultant even doubts that Bearman will necessarily remain at Haas in 2027: “I don’t really know where he can go from now, but it was interesting to hear Ayao say that Esteban Ocon has been performing recently. I think, and actually I know, that they are also looking at other young drivers.”
Asked about the possibility of Haas keeping its current duo next season, Brundle answered bluntly: “No, I don’t think so.”
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Red Bull and Aston Martin as alternatives?
Bearman has notably been linked to Red Bull, which is closely monitoring his performances, as well as Aston Martin, where a seat could open up if Fernando Alonso decided to retire.
The Briton has expressed flattery at the rumors concerning Red Bull, while emphasizing his current commitment to Haas: “It’s quite flattering to hear such things about a team like Red Bull, which has had a lot of success. Being linked to them in some way, even if it’s just rumors, is very nice. But these are just rumors and I am fully focused on what I am doing currently with Haas.”
Regarding Aston Martin, Bearman acknowledges the potential of the project, but says he is not currently prioritizing it: “Aston Martin is going through a tough period, but I am sure that one day this team will be extremely strong. However, I wouldn’t say I am looking in their direction at this stage.”
Goal remains unchanged: to one day drive for Ferrari
“I remain fully committed to what Ferrari has offered me, he says. They have supported me from the start, since my arrival in F3, and it is only thanks to them that I am here today. I therefore owe a lot to Ferrari. For me, Ferrari remains the dream team, not just because I am part of it, but because it is probably the most iconic brand in the world.”
“My goal therefore remains to one day become a Ferrari driver, assures Bearman. That is still the case currently, and we will then have to see how things evolve.”
Seeing his fellow academy member Antonelli dominate F1 brilliantly strengthens the young Englishman’s conviction that he could also succeed if he had a winning car.
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