As Max Verstappen’s future remains enveloped in speculation, a new name has begun to be linked to Red Bull. According to Sky Sports commentator David Croft, Oliver Bearman is being closely watched by the Austrian outfit and could surface as an alternative if an opportunity opens up in the coming years.
Croft highlighted that the current head of Red Bull, Laurent Mekies, knows the young Briton well from his time at Ferrari and from his involvement in Bearman’s entry into the Italian team’s academy. “Laurent Mekies was the man who recruited Ollie Bearman for the Ferrari Academy. I know Red Bull is watching Bearman very closely. If he can’t find a path to Ferrari, this could be a great option for both Red Bull and Ollie,” he said.
Martin Brundle agreed with the analysis and noted that the route to Ferrari’s main team is currently blocked. “His path to Ferrari has been halted. At the same time, Haas is the smallest team on the grid and has difficulty developing the car. He just needs to keep doing what he does, because he’s driving very well. But, at this moment, he’s a bit stuck and perhaps needs a Plan B,” he commented.
Despite the rumors, GPblog reports suggest Bearman is set to remain with Haas next season. There is no definitive agreement yet, but the trend is that a new deal will be reached with Ferrari, which currently lends him to the team through the end of 2026. With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc under contract, there are no vacancies at the Italian outfit.
Asked earlier about the possibility of defending Ferrari in the future, Bearman showed confidence, but also satisfaction with Haas. “I have what it takes to drive for Ferrari. But I’m not disappointed about not being there in 2027. It’s part of my journey. I’m really enjoying what I’m doing at Haas and I don’t see staying there as a negative. The team is on a fantastic trajectory,” he stated. According to GPblog, on the other hand, a move of Verstappen to McLaren seems unlikely, with it more probable that he stays at Red Bull or even a temporary break from Formula 1 after this season.
