Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has stated that Oliver Bearman’s Formula 1 future is ultimately beyond the team’s control. This admission comes amidst increasing speculation linking the British driver with potential moves to both Red Bull and Ferrari. Bearman is currently in his first full season with Haas.
Bearman has delivered a strong performance during the current 2026 season. He secured points finishes in the initial two Grands Prix. His rookie campaign in 2025 also saw him achieve a notable fourth place in Mexico City.
Komatsu has consistently praised Bearman’s abilities and attitude within the team. He highlighted the driver’s capacity to absorb information and motivate personnel. Komatsu noted Bearman’s continuous improvement since his F1 debut.
‘It’s no point worrying about it. I’m a strong believer in controlling what you can control,’ Komatsu stated regarding Bearman’s future. ‘If we’ve done a great job with Ollie, and Ollie performed so well that Ferrari really wants to take him the following year, we have to be happy that we’ve done our job.’
Bearman maintains strong ties with Ferrari, having been a long-standing member of their Driver Academy. His Formula 1 debut occurred in 2024 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He deputised for Carlos Sainz during that event.
Despite these connections, Bearman’s immediate path to a Ferrari race seat appears blocked. Charles Leclerc holds a long-term contract with the Scuderia. Lewis Hamilton is also confirmed for Ferrari in 2026 and beyond.
Recent reports suggest Red Bull is monitoring Bearman as a potential future driver. This speculation arises amid ongoing uncertainty regarding Max Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Red Bull Racing. Sky F1 commentator David Croft mentioned this interest.
Croft specifically noted that Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies previously signed Bearman to the Ferrari junior program. This existing relationship could influence future considerations. Mekies’ involvement predates his move to Red Bull.
Bearman’s current contract with Haas concludes at the end of the 2026 season. He confirmed that he does not yet have a contract for the 2027 season. Bearman described himself as ‘waiting in the dark’ regarding his future.
The British driver admitted he was ‘flattered’ by the Red Bull rumors. However, he emphasized his current focus remains on his duties with Haas. Bearman expressed a desire for his career path to eventually lead to Ferrari.
For the 2026 season, Red Bull Racing fields Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. Racing Bulls has Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. These lineups are confirmed, indicating any potential move for Bearman would be for 2027 or later.
