Oliver Bearman linked to 2027 Ferrari move amidst strong form

Reports of Oliver Bearman being at the top of Ferrari’s shortlist

Unlike other driver academies, such as Red Bull’s, Ferrari are very selective with their juniors. In this sense, Bearman has been the Scuderia’s only F1 prodigy over the last few seasons.

With many rookies impressing in the early stages of the year (Bortoleto, Hadjar, etc.), Bearman did not necessarily hit the ground running.

Despite showing signs of potential, it was still Esteban Ocon who had a marginal edge at Haas. Since the summer break, however, there has been a visible shift.

Bearman equalled Haas’ best-ever F1 result by finishing P4 in Mexico last weekend – which also saw him overtake his teammate in the standings. The 20-year-old executed a near-perfect weekend, converting an impressive qualifying into big points.

The youngster’s wheel-to-wheel battles against the likes of Max Verstappen did not go unnoticed, with only a late resurgence from the Dutchman denying Bearman a maiden podium. Of course, his performance in Mexico City was not a one-off.

Bearman is currently beating teammate Ocon 12-8 in their teammate head-to-head. This record speaks in glowing terms of the British driver’s abilities. Perhaps more importantly, given his inexperience, it also speaks to his very exciting potential.

Even before last weekend, as a Ferrari junior, the 20-year-old was already on the Scuderia’s radar for 2027 and beyond.

Bearman’s result in Mexico, however, has catalysed a series of reports about his standing in Fred Vasseur’s squad. As outlined by ESPN, Ferrari are uncertain about what their driver line-up will look like beyond next season.

In this environment, Bearman becomes a very strong candidate to fill any gaps that might appear.

Why 2026 could determine Hamilton and Leclerc’s fate at Ferrari

Generally speaking, recent reports have hinted that Lewis Hamilton’s days at Ferrari could be numbered. The 7-time Champion’s struggles at the Scuderia have been cited as a reason to doubt his future at Maranello.

However, this is the wrong framing to assess the situation. In reality, it is both Hamilton and Leclerc who will be scrutinising Ferrari’s output in 2026 – rather than the other way around.

For Hamilton, who left Mercedes to join the Italian outfit, next year is essential. With the new cars the 2026 regulations will bring, the 40-year-old will be optimistic about rediscovering his best form.

What is less clear is whether Ferrari will deliver a title-winning car. Because of this, there is a genuine possibility that – if Ferrari are not fighting for a title – Hamilton will look elsewhere for 2027.

The British driver does not have the luxury of waiting several years for the Scuderia to climb the field. Of course, a similar logic applies to Charles Leclerc.

By the end of 2026, Leclerc will have spent almost a decade at Ferrari. Whilst his love for the team is obvious, the Monegasque is fundamentally a racing driver – and an ambitious one at that.

Seeing his younger peers (Piastri and Norris) fight for titles will only intensify Leclerc’s demand for a title-contending car. His manager Nicholas Todt has already implied that Leclerc’s days in Maranello are numbered unless next year’s car is satisfactory.

Leclerc can be expected to explore his options if Ferrari do not inspire confidence in 2026.

It is within this context that Oliver Bearman is a genuine contender to join the Italian outfit. Despite being at very different stages of their career, Hamilton and Leclerc are in a similar time crunch at Ferrari.

Neither driver can afford to start a new regulatory cycle on the back-foot. In the event Mercedes, McLaren or a dark horse like Aston Martin produce a better package than Ferrari, there will likely be change at the Scuderia.

In this scenario, Bearman would be the beneficiary of any vacancies.