Oliver Bearman has acknowledged that Lewis Hamilton’s current performance at Ferrari is impacting his own long-term prospects for a seat with the Italian team. Bearman, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is currently competing in his second full season with Haas in 2026.
The 21-year-old British driver made his Formula 1 debut with Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He stepped in for Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined due to appendicitis, qualifying 11th and finishing seventh to score points.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari for the 2025 season, has demonstrated strong form during the current 2026 campaign. This includes securing his maiden victory for the Scuderia at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on June 14, 2026.
That win marked Hamilton’s first Formula 1 triumph since the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, ending a 41-race winless period. The Barcelona podium featured an all-British lineup, with Hamilton in first, George Russell second, and Lando Norris third.
Bearman commented on the situation during a recent podcast appearance, stating that circumstances have evolved significantly over the past six months.
‘As an F1 fan and a Lewis fan as well, it’s pretty cool to see him performing at the level he is, and seeing him on the top step in Barcelona was quite a special moment for British F1 in general.’
He further noted the significance of the Barcelona result, with three British drivers on the podium and Hamilton, described as ‘the best driver we’ve ever seen,’ in the top position.
Despite his admiration, Bearman conceded that Hamilton’s resurgence is ‘not ideal’ for his own future aspirations. He is currently contracted to Haas until at least the end of the 2026 season, a loan arrangement from Ferrari.
Bearman completed a successful rookie season with Haas in 2025, achieving a career-best fourth-place finish in Mexico City. He began the 2026 season strongly, securing points in Australia and a fifth-place finish in China.
However, Haas has faced challenges with competitiveness in recent races, despite Bearman currently leading teammate Esteban Ocon in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Bearman maintains that he is not in a rush, acknowledging his youth at 21 years old. He views his continued tenure at Haas as an opportunity for further development and learning.
While Ferrari remains his ultimate goal, Bearman has indicated he is open to exploring opportunities with other teams if a clear path to championship contention does not materialise at Maranello. He has expressed a desire not to wait indefinitely for a Ferrari seat.
