Guenther Steiner believes Oliver Bearman should stop relying on the prospect of a future Ferrari Formula 1 seat and take greater control of his career, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc leaving little room for the young British driver at Maranello. The former Haas team principal has identified 2028 as a crucial moment for Bearman to consider his options, arguing that his talent deserves an opportunity to develop beyond the American team.
Bearman is preparing for a third consecutive season with Haas in 2027, but his longer-term ambitions remain closely connected to Ferrari. That route has become increasingly complicated by the Scuderia’s driver situation, particularly Hamilton’s improved performances under the 2026 regulations and Leclerc’s renewed commitment to the Italian team.
Why Oliver Bearman’s Ferrari prospects depend on Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari’s driver line-up is already settled for 2027. Charles Leclerc has signed a new agreement with the Maranello outfit, while Lewis Hamilton reportedly holds a contract running until 2028. Those arrangements leave Bearman without an obvious opening despite his position as one of the promising young drivers associated with Ferrari.
Hamilton’s future had appeared less certain following a disappointing 2025 campaign, when speculation emerged that the seven-time world champion could decide to retire. However, the introduction of Formula 1’s new technical regulations for 2026 has renewed his enthusiasm, and his performances have strengthened considerably.
With Hamilton currently third in the Drivers’ Championship, the situation is far from ideal for Bearman’s ambitions. The British youngster would benefit from a vacancy at Ferrari, but Hamilton’s competitive form gives the experienced driver little obvious reason to bring his career to an end. His continued presence alongside Leclerc could therefore extend Bearman’s wait for an opportunity at Maranello.
The stability of Ferrari’s current pairing also reflects the team’s longer-term commitment to Leclerc, whose established role within Ferrari extends beyond his performances on the circuit.
Guenther Steiner believes Oliver Bearman needs a new challenge in 2028
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Guenther Steiner acknowledged that Ferrari would naturally be reluctant to lose a driver with Bearman’s potential. Nevertheless, he argued that the youngster’s age provides an important advantage, meaning another season at Haas would not necessarily damage his prospects.
Steiner believes the more significant decision will arrive in 2028. In his assessment, Bearman should aim to move to a different team at that point to raise his performance level and continue progressing through Formula 1, rather than remain in his current position while waiting for Ferrari to create an opening.
The former Haas boss also questioned why Hamilton would choose to retire at the end of 2027. He pointed to the seven-time champion’s improved results and the fact that Hamilton had already continued racing after his difficult previous season. Steiner additionally raised Fernando Alonso’s longevity as another example of how uncertain the retirement plans of experienced Formula 1 drivers can be.
Most importantly, Steiner suggested that Bearman should now possess enough confidence in his own ability to make career decisions independently. Rather than allowing the possibility of eventually becoming a Ferrari driver to determine his future, he believes the Briton should effectively act as his own representative and pursue whichever opportunity offers the strongest prospects for his development.
Steiner’s argument is not that Bearman lacks the ability to race for Ferrari. On the contrary, he considers the youngster sufficiently talented to justify taking a more proactive approach, even if that means abandoning the expectation that a seat at Maranello will eventually become available.
Haas struggles add pressure to Oliver Bearman’s career decision
Bearman’s current circumstances make that advice particularly relevant. The British driver occupies 13th place in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship with 23 points, while the Haas VF-26 has struggled to deliver the performance required for consistent points finishes.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has already expressed concern that Bearman’s potential could be wasted if he remains at Haas for too long. Although another campaign with the American outfit is planned for 2027, the question is whether a fourth season would provide the competitive environment needed to advance his career.
Bearman’s contract situation makes 2028 an especially important target. With his current arrangement due to expire in 2027, he could face a choice between extending his stay at Haas and exploring alternatives elsewhere on the grid.
For a young driver seeking to establish himself as a future contender, the challenge is not simply securing a place in Formula 1. It is also finding a team capable of offering the machinery and competitive opportunities necessary to demonstrate his full potential.
Rafael Camara could challenge Oliver Bearman for a future Ferrari seat
Even if Lewis Hamilton decides to retire at the conclusion of the 2027 season, Oliver Bearman would not necessarily inherit the vacant Ferrari seat. Another emerging prospect could complicate his position within the team’s longer-term plans.
Brazilian driver Rafael Camara, who also benefits from Ferrari backing, is set to join Haas in 2027 as the replacement for Esteban Ocon. That would place two drivers with connections to Maranello in the same team, creating a direct comparison that could become significant when Ferrari considers its future options.
If Camara manages to outperform Bearman during their season together, the Brazilian could strengthen his own claim to succeed Hamilton. Such an outcome would leave Bearman facing competition not only from Ferrari’s established drivers but also from another young talent pursuing the same opportunity.
The possibility underlines the uncertainty surrounding Bearman’s route to the Scuderia. His future cannot be determined solely by Hamilton’s retirement plans, particularly when Ferrari has another promising driver preparing to demonstrate his ability in Formula 1.
For now, the central issue remains whether Bearman should continue building his career around the prospect of driving for Ferrari or pursue a different opportunity when his Haas contract expires. Steiner’s position is clear: the youngster has the talent and time to establish his own future, but waiting indefinitely for a Ferrari seat could prevent him from taking the next step in his Formula 1 career.
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