Red Bull is closely following the situation of Oliver Bearman, as speculations about a possible departure of Max Verstappen continue to stir the Formula 1 paddock.
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The Milton Keynes team has been facing numerous rumors for several weeks claiming that the four-time world champion could leave the team he joined in 2016.
With four world titles, Verstappen has equaled Sebastian Vettel as the most successful drivers in Red Bull’s history.
Verstappen to McLaren?
But the team’s difficult start to the 2026 season, marked by nine races without a win for the Dutchman, fuels questions about his future. The situation is also complicated by the upcoming departure of his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, announced to join McLaren by 2028 at the latest.
After many rumors of a transfer to Mercedes last year, McLaren now appears as Verstappen’s main potential destination. Several reports claim that discussions between the two parties secretly began during the Austrian Grand Prix before intensifying.
McLaren would also have the financial means to meet the Dutchman’s demands. If Verstappen joins McLaren, Oscar Piastri is regularly presented as the driver who should give up his seat. The Australian could then make the reverse move and join Red Bull alongside Isack Hadjar.
The Bearman alternative
But another possibility is starting to emerge: that of Oliver Bearman. Red Bull is closely monitoring the performances of the young Haas driver because a link exists between Bearman and Laurent Mekies, the current team principal of Red Bull Racing, who recruited Ollie Bearman into the Ferrari Driver Academy when he was working at Maranello.
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Although he has no chance to join Ferrari, given the contract extension of Lewis Hamilton, this could be a very good option for both Red Bull and Bearman, who is currently still a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and enjoys an excellent reputation within the Scuderia.
The Briton notably stood out during the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when he stepped in at short notice for Carlos Sainz, who suffered from appendicitis. Then still a Formula 2 driver, Bearman finished in the points for his Grand Prix debut.
Two other convincing performances with Haas then helped secure him a full-time seat for the 2025 season. His performances have since strengthened his reputation in the paddock, and the 21-year-old driver has even been regularly presented as a possible future Ferrari race driver.
Blocked by Hamilton at Maranello
However, these speculations have calmed down in recent weeks due to Lewis Hamilton’s improved performances. The seven-time world champion would have an option in his favor to stay at Ferrari in 2027 and even beyond.
If Verstappen were indeed to leave Red Bull, Bearman could therefore be an alternative to Piastri. But recruiting the Briton would not be a simple operation: still linked to Ferrari, he is considered one of the Scuderia’s main hopes for the future.
Red Bull will therefore probably have to make a significant financial effort to convince Ferrari to let go of their young protégé.
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