Ollie Bearman admitted that he is ‘flattered’ by rumours linking him to a Red Bull seat, but he remains focused on Haas and Ferrari.
Red Bull Racing has been rumoured to have an eye on Ollie Bearman as a potential Verstappen replacement amid speculation that the Dutch driver may depart for McLaren.
Bearman’s Haas contract will run out at the end of 2026, with the Briton’s F1 future not yet confirmed. It has been thought that Bearman would stay at Haas on loan from Ferrari as the Italian team has no open seats currently. But, given that Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies was involved in Bearman’s signing to the Ferrari junior program before his move to the Red Bull stable, it’s unsurprising that Mekies might still have one eye on the young talent.
The 21-year-old admitted that being linked to such a successful team was flattering, but implied that his loyalties lie with Ferrari and Haas.
Speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, he said: “I mean, first of all, it’s quite flattering to hear things like that. You know, 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. But like I said, it’s just rumours and I’m fully focused on what I’m doing here with Haas at the moment.”
Bearman ‘waiting in the dark’ for F1 contract renewal
When asked if he saw his future being at Ferrari rather than Red Bull, Bearman explained that Ferrari had backed him since Formula 3 and played a big role in getting him to Formula 1.
Whilst admitting he hoped to make it to the Scuderia one day, he said he remains focused on his work at Haas, but admitted that he is out of contract with the Ferrari-powered team at the end of the year.
“Well, I hope so. You know, I mean, I don’t have a full say in that. But Ferrari have trusted me from the very beginning in Formula 3 and put me in that car in 2024 as well, and really [they are] the reason that I’m here right now.
“But yeah, I mean, at the moment I’m enjoying what I’m doing with Haas. And, you know, the faster I can go now, the easier I make my life in the future.
“At the moment I don’t have a contract for next year. So yeah, just waiting in the dark.”
Bearman has had a mixed season so far. With three points finishes matched by three DNFs, he is regardless outperforming teammate Esteban Ocon. He sits 12th in the Driver’s Standings, having amassed 18 points to Ocon’s 3.
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