Oliver Bearman is currently emerging as one of the fastest drivers in the midfield of Formula 1. The young British racer, now driving for Haas, has already scored important points in the opening rounds of the 2026 season, both in Australia and in China. At the Shanghai Grand Prix, Oliver Bearman delivered an impressive performance, crossing the finish line in fifth place behind the Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. His progress is clear, as is his strong rapport with the VF-26. Since 2022, Ollie Bearman has been a member of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy. Could we soon see him wearing the iconic red suit as an official Ferrari driver?
Bearman has already driven a Ferrari in Formula 1. In 2024, he was called upon to substitute for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when the Spaniard was hospitalized due to appendicitis. The young Briton performed admirably, finishing his debut race in seventh place. Later that same season, he appeared in two additional races – the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku and the Brazilian Grand Prix – but this time driving for Haas. In Baku, he once again scored points, becoming the only driver in Formula 1 history to earn points with two different teams in the same season.
Future in red: dream or reality? Bearman speaks
Since 2025, Ollie Bearman has been a full-time driver for Haas, experiencing a season full of highs and lows while continuing to develop his skills considerably. In the current 2026 season, he is already achieving significant results, which naturally raises the question: could he secure one of the two coveted seats at Ferrari? He addressed this topic during the Back at Base podcast, saying,
“First of all, it’s not my responsibility to handle that: if there will be any discussion, it should take place between my manager and the team in question. I still have a very strong connection with Ferrari: they are the reason I am here at Haas today, they are the reason I was able to compete in Formula 3 and Formula 2. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
He added,
“They have been extremely important to me and gave me an opportunity at a time when support from a Driver Academy was truly essential. It’s fantastic to have this connection with Ferrari and to feel this sense of security.”
Ollie Bearman continued,
“Of course, I made my debut with Ferrari, which was an incredible experience, and now my future is with Haas. I want to do everything I can to help this team. We had incredible experiences last year, so now I want to make the most of these regulations. Whatever happens afterwards will be the result of this year, so it’s in my interest to give my absolute best. Right now, I am fully focused on this season, which represents a huge challenge to overcome.”
While the question of a Ferrari future remains open, Ollie Bearman’s comments highlight both his loyalty to Haas and his enduring connection to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, underlining the complex balance young drivers must maintain between immediate commitments and long-term career opportunities in Formula 1.
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