Oliver Bearman has been advised to approach Lewis Hamilton for discussions regarding his Formula 1 future. This recommendation comes as Red Bull Racing is reportedly monitoring the Ferrari-backed Haas driver. Sky F1 pundit Karun Chandhok suggested Bearman needs clarity on Hamilton’s long-term plans before considering any formal Red Bull interest.
Bearman, currently competing full-time with Haas in the 2026 season, is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy. He made his Formula 1 debut for Ferrari in 2024 as a substitute for Carlos Sainz.
His performances with Haas have drawn attention, consistently outperforming teammate Esteban Ocon during the 2025 and current 2026 seasons. Bearman is presently ninth in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings.
The British driver’s contract with Haas concludes at the end of the 2026 season. He is widely considered Ferrari’s natural successor to Hamilton when the seven-time world champion eventually retires.
Speculation surrounding Bearman intensified at the British Grand Prix when Sky F1 commentator David Croft stated that Red Bull is ‘keeping very close tabs’ on him. Bearman acknowledged these rumours as ‘flattering’ at the Belgian Grand Prix.
He stated his focus remains on his current commitments with Haas. Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies previously played a role in signing Bearman to the Ferrari Driver Academy.
This Red Bull interest emerges amidst ongoing speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s future with the team. Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends until 2028.
However, Red Bull’s performance struggles under the 2026 regulations have fueled rumours of a potential departure. Verstappen has been linked with a move to McLaren for the 2027 season.
Verstappen’s contract includes performance-related exit clauses that could be activated in October if he is not within the top two in the championship by the summer break. He is currently seventh.
When questioned ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen declined to commit to Red Bull beyond 2026, stating ‘there’s nothing to say’ about his future.
Lewis Hamilton is currently in his second season with Ferrari, having joined the team for 2025. His contract with the Scuderia runs until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Reports indicate an option exists to extend his stay into 2028. Hamilton dismissed retirement rumours earlier this year, confirming his commitment to Ferrari.
Following a challenging 2025 campaign, Hamilton has experienced a significant upturn in form during the 2026 season. He secured his first Ferrari victory at the Barcelona Grand Prix.
Hamilton has also achieved multiple podium finishes this season and currently sits third in the Drivers’ Championship, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc recently signed a new long-term contract with Ferrari, securing his position with the team for an extended period.
Chandhok’s advice to Bearman stems from the impact Hamilton’s extended tenure has on Bearman’s potential Ferrari promotion timeline. Understanding Hamilton’s plans is crucial for Bearman’s career progression.
‘I think if there’s a race seat available at Red Bull Racing, then of course Ollie and his management have to have a conversation about it,’ Chandhok stated. ‘I think the reality is, he’s the man waiting in the wings for the day that Lewis Hamilton chooses to stop.’
Chandhok emphasized that Bearman needs to understand Hamilton’s intentions regarding how long he plans to continue racing. This information will directly influence Bearman’s strategic decisions.
