As Oliver Bearman excels in his second season in Formula 1, it’s somewhat surprising that Haas has identified Esteban Ocon’s successor for the 2027 season before confirming Bearman’s continuation for a third consecutive year.
There is no real question about Bearman’s future, as both him and the team are eager to forge ahead for the 2027 season.
“I think it’s very evident. My aspiration is to remain with Haas, and that’s definitely my focus,” Bearman remarked in Mexico on Thursday. “Ultimately, it’s not solely in my control. If it were up to me, it would have been made public much sooner, but there are broader matters at play that we’re addressing.”
Team principal Komatsu stated: “I prefer not to delve into the specifics of our agreement, but Ollie is displaying incredible promise. He’s a significant asset to the team’s achievements, and we desire to advance together. We aim to ascend the standings as a unit.”
While Komatsu dismissed unfounded speculation regarding Bearman’s salary requirements, labeling the halt of a deal as “complete nonsense,” the actual reason for the delay isn’t centered around 2027, but rather what lies ahead.
Autosport has learned that if Ferrari is unable to guarantee Bearman a position in 2028—after three years spent with the customer team Haas—then Bearman will have the opportunity to part ways with Maranello. This is the “bigger picture” Bearman referenced, which has been increasingly murky in recent months.
Oliver Bearman, Scuderia Ferrari, Jeddah 2024
Photo by: Mark Sutton
Bearman is on the trajectory to complete the entire Ferrari Driver Academy pathway, progressing from F4 to a race seat with Scuderia—the only individual to achieve this path so far being Charles Leclerc.
However, a new hurdle has arisen with Lewis Hamilton, who has regained his previous form this season and activated the contractual clause that secures his position at Ferrari for 2027. Initially, Bearman seemed like a natural successor to Hamilton, but the seven-time world champion’s recent statements in the media regarding his future longevity suggest he is not planning to leave Ferrari or F1 anytime soon. Additionally, Leclerc has already secured a long-term contract extension lasting until at least 2030.
Thus, if Ferrari cannot promise Bearman a seat for 2028, allowing the 21-year-old Brit to search for other possibilities, it becomes essential to clarify certain facets of his long-term future before making an official announcement regarding the Haas extension.
Komatsu emphasized that there is no contention concerning the mutual desire to extend their partnership. “I can’t go into the specifics regarding the delay, but it’s quite apparent that both sides are eager to continue collaborating,” he stated.
“Our synergy is strong; we challenge each other. He adds substantial value to the team, and we’re growing together, so our intentions are perfectly aligned. We are working towards a solution for next year, and I’m confident we will achieve it.”
For Bearman, the priority appears to be ensuring that his next year with Haas doesn’t tie him down for longer than necessary or hinder future opportunities. Ironically, all parties involved seem to be chasing compatible goals. Haas seeks to retain Bearman, he wishes to keep racing, while Ferrari is keen on safeguarding a young talent in which they have invested substantial time and resources.
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
What makes this situation complex is the uncertainty of predicting what may unfold two seasons ahead. Consequently, for Bearman, the crucial issue is not simply securing a position for 2027. The core challenge lies in making sure that his foreseeable decision to stay with Haas does not obstruct his opportunities for 2028.
This intricate balance is what is currently under deliberation behind closed doors, and it provides a likely explanation for an announcement that, just a few weeks prior, seemed highly routine.
