Oliver Bearman calls Red Bull interest rumours “flattering”

Bearman keeps Red Bull speculation in perspective

Oliver Bearman has described reports linking him with Red Bull as “flattering”, while stressing that his immediate priority remains delivering for Haas.

The speculation emerged at the British Grand Prix, where Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft said Laurent Mekies’ Red Bull team was “keeping tabs” on the 21-year-old. The interest was reportedly linked to uncertainty over Max Verstappen’s future, a subject explored further in Red Bull’s latest contract update on Verstappen.

Asked about the claims ahead of the following round at Spa-Francorchamps, Bearman made clear that he has not treated the reports as anything more than paddock talk.

“It’s quite flattering to hear things like that, with a team like Red Bull who are incredibly successful, and to be connected with them in any way, even if it’s just rumours, is very nice,” he told media, including RacingNews365.

“But, as I said, it’s just rumours, and I’m fully focused on what I’m doing here with Haas at the moment.”

Ferrari pathway remains complicated

Bearman’s position at Haas appears secure, but his longer-term prospects remain less defined. He is contracted to Ferrari after progressing through the Scuderia’s driver academy and has had the measure of team-mate Esteban Ocon.

His expected route towards a Ferrari race seat is currently blocked by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc has a recently extended long-term contract, while Hamilton is enjoying a return to form this campaign. That leaves Bearman’s future tied not only to his performances, but also to the timing of any opening at Ferrari.

Bearman made his F1 debut for Ferrari when he replaced Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, reinforcing the long-standing expectation that he is a Ferrari driver in waiting.

“Well, I hope so,” Bearman said when asked whether his future would lie with the Scuderia.

He added that Ferrari had trusted him since Formula 3 and had put him in its car in 2024, describing the team as “really the reason that I’m here right now.” For now, however, he is focused on Haas: “The faster I can go now, the easier I make my life in the future.”

No clarity on next season

Bearman said Ferrari had not indicated what his future holds. “At the moment, I don’t have a contract for next year, so [I’m] just waiting in the dark,” he explained.

However, he rejected the suggestion that this made him a “true free agent” for 2027, replying: “No, no; that’s not what I said. No.”