Charles Leclerc confirmed for Mexico GP press conference as Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman faces 2027 questions

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has been confirmed for the official 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix press conference on Thursday, 29 October, as Formula 1 prepares for another important weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Monegasque will appear in the second group at 14:00 local time, alongside Sergio Perez and Alex Albon, while Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman is scheduled for the earlier 13:30 session amid continuing questions over his Formula 1 future with Haas.

The FIA’s Thursday media schedule creates two particularly interesting talking points for Ferrari supporters. Charles Leclerc arrives in Mexico following his second-place finish at the United States Grand Prix, hoping to maintain the team’s improved competitiveness. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman’s appearance comes at a time when his 2027 Haas seat has yet to be formally confirmed, despite both the driver and team expressing their intention to continue together.

Charles Leclerc confirmed for Thursday’s Mexico GP press conference

Charles Leclerc will take part in the second official drivers’ press conference at 14:00 on Thursday, 29 October. He will be joined by Sergio Perez, representing Cadillac, and Williams driver Alex Albon.

The first session, scheduled for 13:30, will feature Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Haas driver Oliver Bearman and Mercedes driver George Russell. Lewis Hamilton is not included in either of the two scheduled Thursday press conference groups.

For Charles Leclerc, the appearance comes at a significant moment in Ferrari’s season. The Scuderia has shown encouraging signs of progress in recent races, with the Monegasque securing second place at the United States Grand Prix after an intense battle with Max Verstappen.

One of the main questions heading into Mexico is whether Ferrari can reproduce that level of performance on a circuit with very different characteristics. The team’s recent SF-26 upgrades delivered encouraging results in Austin, but the conditions at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez represent another important test.

Charles Leclerc’s media appearance will therefore offer an opportunity to hear his assessment of Ferrari’s recent progress and expectations for the weekend, although the subjects he will be asked about have not been confirmed.

Oliver Bearman’s Haas future adds a Ferrari dimension to Mexico GP media day

Oliver Bearman’s inclusion in the earlier press conference is also particularly relevant to Ferrari. The British driver remains part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, and his future continues to attract attention following developments concerning Haas’ 2027 driver line-up.

Haas has already confirmed fellow Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara for next season, with the Brazilian replacing Esteban Ocon. However, Oliver Bearman’s continued presence at the American team has not yet been formally announced.

Both Oliver Bearman and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu have expressed their desire to continue working together. The remaining uncertainty concerns contractual arrangements, with Ferrari also involved because of its relationship with the British driver.

Oliver Bearman has made it clear that his longer-term ambition remains a Ferrari race seat. For now, however, his immediate priority is continuing to establish himself in Formula 1, with Haas the team he wants to represent.

His appearance in Thursday’s press conference could provide an opportunity for further clarification about the negotiations, although there is no confirmation that an announcement will be made in Mexico.

Ferrari prepares for the Mexico City GP after Austin progress

The media activities on Thursday will precede a demanding weekend for Ferrari. The Mexico City circuit’s high altitude creates unusual conditions for the cars, affecting aerodynamic performance, cooling requirements and power-unit management.

Following the encouraging Austin result, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will be looking to establish whether Ferrari can remain competitive against Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren. The challenge is particularly relevant after the improvements demonstrated by the SF-26 in the United States.

The 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend begins with free practice on Friday, 30 October, followed by qualifying on Saturday, 31 October, and the 71-lap race on Sunday, 1 November.

Thursday’s press conferences will provide the first official media opportunities of the Grand Prix weekend, with Charles Leclerc discussing Ferrari’s immediate ambitions and Oliver Bearman potentially facing further questions about his longer-term Formula 1 future.

2026 Mexico City GP Thursday press conference line-ups