Oliver Bearman issues firm declaration over F1 future amid new contract delay

Oliver Bearman believes he "is ready" to move to a "top four team" in F1 and be able to fight "for podiums" as his new contract at Haas is delayed.

That Bearman will remain at Haas for a third season in 2027 is not in doubt, with team boss Ayao Komatsu playing up his strengths as the new team leader, with fellow Ferrari junior Rafael Camara set to replace Esteban Ocon. 

Bearman is the most senior driver within the Ferrari Driver Academy and is the first in line for a promotion to the senior works Ferrari squad, should a seat become available, but with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in his way, it is unclear when this would open up, with Hamilton also indicating that he could be on the grid for F1's return to Africa, sometime in the early 2030s.

Bearman's seat at Haas for 2027 is just one of three seats yet to be officially confirmed, with the two Racing Bulls cockpits also vacant for next season, with the Briton declaring that "only sticking points" remained before his stay at Haas was extended - as he also made clear that he is ready for a move to a "top four" team.

"On my side and on Ayao's side, I think we're very sure that we want to continue working together, and the only sticking points are out of my hands," Bearman explained to media, including RacingNews365.

"They are more contractual points, but it is out of my hands. I am leaving it to my management, and of course, Ferrari as well. 

"I'm committed to Haas, and the length of the deal is not really my remit. 

"I'm happy to be in F1, but of course, looking into the medium- to long-term, I also feel like I am ready to fight for podiums and fight at the front.

"In terms of a midfield team, Haas is the team I want to be with and see my future with, but at some point, I feel like I've earned the opportunity to go out and look for a top four team.

"Of course, my link with Ferrari will be my ultimate goal, but I'm not discussing the nitty-gritty [of the Haas renewal]. 

"That's what my short-term ambition is, and my medium- to long-term [goal] is of course, to be fighting for podiums.

"I hope Haas can give me that opportunity, but of course, Ferrari are involved."

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Bearman's Ferrari links

Bearman has already driven for Ferrari in a grand prix, doing so in Saudi Arabia in 2024 in place of an appendicitis-stricken Carlos Sainz, finishing seventh ahead of Lando Norris and Hamilton.

This result was a key pillar in Ferrari's decision to promote him to F1 full-time in 2025 with Haas, as he explained that the Scuderia will continue to have a "big say" in his future.

"In the end, I am a junior driver of Ferrari, and that's ultimately the reason I'm here," he added.

"So they have a big say in what my future looks like."