Oliver Bearman’s future at Haas remains unresolved as the Formula 1 driver market moves closer to finalising the 2027 grid. While Liam Lawson appears increasingly likely to secure another season with Racing Bulls following an impressive Brazilian Grand Prix, the British driver developed by the Ferrari Driver Academy is still awaiting official confirmation of his place at Haas.
Most drivers have already secured their seats for next year’s World Championship, leaving just three positions officially available across Racing Bulls and Haas. However, there are still important decisions to be made, particularly concerning two promising young drivers whose futures remain closely connected to Red Bull and Ferrari.
Liam Lawson moves closer to Racing Bulls contract renewal after Brazilian GP
Liam Lawson is doing everything possible to prove that he deserves to remain in Formula 1 for another season. Anyone questioning his credentials need only look at his performance in Brazil, where the New Zealander delivered another strong showing.
The Racing Bulls driver was one of the main protagonists at Interlagos. He finished fifth, having started third on the grid, partly thanks to penalties imposed on other competitors. At the start, he even overtook Lando Norris to move directly behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
He eventually finished seventh, forcing Charles Leclerc to incur a penalty while attempting to overtake him. It was an impressive display from someone who is still fighting to convince his team to retain him.
Liam Lawson currently has 89 championship points, placing him ninth in the Drivers’ Championship, and has recorded two consecutive seventh-place finishes. His contract extension now appears very close, with the latest rumours suggesting that an announcement could arrive before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Securing another season would represent a significant personal comeback after his demotion from Red Bull in 2025.
Arvid Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov complicate Racing Bulls’ 2027 decision
Arvid Lindblad is only 19 years old and remains one of the young talents Red Bull wants to invest in. Although his continuation has not yet been officially announced, the British driver is expected to remain with Racing Bulls in 2027.
However, the situation is complicated by another emerging prospect from the Red Bull junior programme. Nikola Tsolov, the 19-year-old Bulgarian currently second in the Formula 2 championship, has also established himself as one of the academy’s most promising drivers.
For several weeks, Nikola Tsolov was considered Liam Lawson’s main rival for the available seat. With the New Zealander now moving closer to a contract extension, the Bulgarian may have to settle for a reserve-driver role while waiting for another opportunity.
Racing Bulls therefore face an important choice between retaining a driver who is already delivering Formula 1 results and creating an opportunity for the next generation of Red Bull talent.
Oliver Bearman’s Haas contract remains unsigned as Ferrari opportunity stays open
Another Ferrari-backed talent is also waiting for his future to be settled. Oliver Bearman wants to remain with Haas, and the American team intends to retain the British driver, but an official agreement for 2027 has yet to be announced.
The situation is particularly important because Haas have already confirmed the arrival of Rafael Câmara, the 21-year-old Brazilian who leads the Formula 2 championship. The Ferrari Driver Academy prospect has secured a multi-year agreement beginning in 2027.
Rafael Câmara made his debut at Interlagos, replacing Esteban Ocon, who was dropped by Haas before the end of the season. His arrival means the team is preparing to field another young driver developed through Ferrari’s junior programme.
For Oliver Bearman, however, the longer-term objective extends beyond simply remaining at Haas. The British driver wants to continue developing his Formula 1 experience while keeping open the possibility of eventually securing a race seat at Ferrari.
His contractual uncertainty has already generated considerable discussion, particularly concerning his potential route to a Ferrari seat in 2028. Both Haas and the driver appear interested in continuing their relationship, although the final agreement remains pending.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu has also discussed the development of the two Ferrari-backed youngsters, highlighting their potential as Haas prepares for the future. The comparison between Oliver Bearman and Rafael Câmara could become particularly significant as both drivers pursue their Formula 1 ambitions.
F1 2027 driver contracts: Who is confirmed and when do current deals expire?
While the remaining Racing Bulls and Haas seats attract attention, the situation across the rest of the Formula 1 grid is largely settled ahead of the 2027 season.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are set to remain with Mercedes until at least the end of 2027. Lewis Hamilton is also under contract with Ferrari until at least that year, while Isack Hadjar is committed to Red Bull for the same period.
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are expected to continue at Aston Martin, with Alexander Albon remaining at Williams and Franco Colapinto at Alpine. Audi have confirmed Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, while Valtteri Bottas is also set to remain with Cadillac.
Several drivers have agreements extending further into the future. Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri are contracted until at least 2028, while Sergio Perez has extended his Cadillac agreement through 2029.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have even longer-term commitments, with both drivers tied to their respective teams until 2030.
At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc continues to have a long-term contract, providing stability for the Maranello team’s future plans. Together with Lewis Hamilton’s existing agreement, that leaves the Scuderia’s immediate driver line-up settled, even as the longer-term opportunities for its young talents remain a subject of interest.
With most of the grid already decided, the remaining uncertainty centres on Racing Bulls and Haas. Liam Lawson appears close to receiving the confirmation he has been fighting for, while Oliver Bearman must still wait for the formal decision that could shape both his immediate future and his longer-term ambitions with Ferrari.
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