Max Verstappen’s future could trigger one of the biggest driver market shake-ups in Formula 1. According to recent reports, Red Bull is already evaluating a range of contingency plans should the reigning world champion decide to leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit. While speculation has linked Verstappen with both McLaren and Mercedes, a move to Woking is currently considered the more likely scenario. If that were to happen, Oscar Piastri has frequently been mentioned as a possible candidate to fill the vacancy.
Oliver Bearman’s Ferrari path looks increasingly complicated
For Oliver Bearman, one of Ferrari’s brightest young talents and currently racing for Haas, the route to a seat with the Scuderia has become significantly more difficult. Charles Leclerc has already committed his future to Ferrari with a long-term contract, while Lewis Hamilton appears determined to continue competing at the highest level for several more seasons.
Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle highlighted Bearman’s situation, saying: “Ollie will see that Charles Leclerc has renewed his Ferrari contract, and Lewis Hamilton looks set to stay for several more years. His path to the Ferrari works team has been blocked. Meanwhile, Haas is the smallest team on the grid and is struggling to develop the car and keep pace with its rivals.”
Brundle also praised the young Briton’s performances, adding: “He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing because Ollie is driving brilliantly. That’s putting a bit of pressure on Esteban Ocon regarding the future. But right now he’s a little bit stuck, and he may have to find a Plan B.”
Jenson Button echoed that view, stressing that Bearman should remain focused despite the uncertainty surrounding his long-term prospects: “I think the most important thing for him right now is to stay focused. He’s still very young in this sport, and he’s proving that he belongs here. But from a management point of view, yes, I think they need to speak to other teams and explore other opportunities. Because he could end up stuck in this team if Lewis decides to keep performing at this level for many more years.”
Red Bull keeping a close eye on Oliver Bearman
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has now revealed that Red Bull is monitoring Oliver Bearman very closely as a possible successor to Max Verstappen.
Croft explained: “Right behind you is the Red Bull hospitality unit. Laurent Mekies, the team principal, was the man who signed Ollie Bearman to the Ferrari Academy. I know Red Bull is keeping a very close eye on Ollie Bearman. If he doesn’t get an opportunity at the Scuderia, he could be a very good choice for both Red Bull and Ollie.”
With Max Verstappen now reportedly able to activate an exit clause in his contract, Red Bull is preparing backup plans in case the Dutchman departs. Among the names being considered, Oliver Bearman has emerged as a genuine option that the Milton Keynes squad appears ready to explore.
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