While Red Bull would be monitoring his development in case Max Verstappen leaves, Oliver Bearman assures he remains focused on his mission at Haas.
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Oliver Bearman did not hide his satisfaction after being linked to Red Bull in recent days. The young Briton, who is competing in his second full season in Formula 1, is reportedly being closely followed by the Milton Keynes team in the event Max Verstappen were to leave the team.
The rumor gained momentum during the British Grand Prix, when Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft revealed that Red Bull “is keeping an eye” on the Haas driver. This possibility fits within the context of many questions surrounding the future of the four-time world champion, who is regularly linked to a possible departure.
Asked before the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Bearman nevertheless sought to put this information into perspective.
“It’s quite flattering to hear things like that, with a team like Red Bull that has a lot of success. Being associated with them in one way or another, even if it’s just rumors, is very nice,” explained the Briton.
“But as I said, these are just rumors, and I am totally focused on what I am doing here with Haas for the moment.”
An uncertain future despite strong performances
While Bearman seems firmly established at Haas today, his medium-term future remains to be defined. The 21-year-old driver is still linked to Ferrari, having joined the Scuderia’s young driver program, but access to the red seat appears complicated in the short term.
Charles Leclerc indeed has a recently extended long-term contract, while Lewis Hamilton is having a better 2026 season after a difficult first year at Ferrari. The door therefore seems closed for now, despite the expectations placed on Bearman since his debut.
The Briton discovered Formula 1 with Ferrari in 2024, when he replaced Carlos Sainz at the last moment during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Since then, he has been considered one of the future talents likely to join a top team.
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Asked about the possibility of becoming a full-time Ferrari driver one day, Bearman did not hide his ambition.
“Well, I hope so. I don’t have full say on that, but Ferrari has trusted me since my Formula 3 debut and put me in their car in 2024. It’s really thanks to them that I am here today.”
“But for now, I am enjoying what I am doing with Haas. The faster I am now, the easier I will make my situation for the future.”
Bearman still awaits answers for 2027
The young driver also admitted he does not yet have a clear view of his future beyond this season.
“No. For now, I don’t have a contract for next year, so I am waiting in uncertainty” he said when asked if Ferrari had given him any indications.
However, Bearman immediately denied being completely free to make his choices for 2027, as he would have an option with Haas.
“No, no, that’s not what I said” he clarified.
Between the Red Bull rumors, his link with Ferrari, and his performances at Haas, Oliver Bearman finds himself at the center of the young talent market. But for now, the Briton prefers to let his results speak rather than the speculation.
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