Red Bull Racing is reportedly monitoring Oliver Bearman, the Ferrari-backed driver currently competing with Haas. This development emerges amid ongoing speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull and persistent rumours linking him to McLaren.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2028 season. However, his current deal is understood to contain performance-related exit clauses that could allow for an earlier departure. Recent reports indicate that discussions have taken place between Verstappen’s management and McLaren, though a move for the 2027 season is considered unlikely in the short term.
The four-time world champion has experienced a challenging 2026 season, marked by three retirements, including a rear wing failure at the British Grand Prix. This has extended his winless streak to nine races. Red Bull Racing currently holds fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship.
Speculation of a direct seat swap involving Oscar Piastri moving to Red Bull has been circulating. However, Piastri signed a multi-year contract extension with McLaren in 2024, securing his position with the team until at least the end of the 2028 season.
Oliver Bearman, who debuted in Formula 1 with Haas in 2025, has shown promising form. He began the 2026 season strongly, securing points finishes in Australia and China, placing 7th in the Drivers’ Championship after the initial three rounds.
Haas initially held fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship. However, the team has since struggled with development, leading to a decline in performance. Bearman finished 14th at the Austrian Grand Prix and 12th at the British Grand Prix, acknowledging the team’s current lack of pace.
Bearman’s long-term prospects at Ferrari appear limited. Charles Leclerc signed a new multi-year contract extension with the Scuderia in June 2026, expected to keep him with the team beyond 2030.
Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, is also reported to have activated an option to extend his contract until 2028. Hamilton has had an improved 2026 season, securing his first Ferrari victory at the Barcelona Grand Prix and achieving multiple podium finishes.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has a prior professional relationship with Bearman, having signed him to the Ferrari Driver Academy. Mekies assumed his current role at Red Bull midway through the 2025 season, following a tenure as Team Principal of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
The Red Bull Junior Team typically develops its own talent, with Isack Hadjar promoted to partner Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season. Bearman is not part of the Red Bull driver development programme.
