Oliver Bearman, the English racing driver, is aiming to secure a future position with Ferrari in Formula 1, despite currently competing for Haas in the 2026 season. Bearman’s Ferrari debut happened in Saudi Arabia during 2024, filling in for Carlos Sainz after his appendectomy, and since then the young talent has made clear his ambition to return to the iconic Italian team.
In 2024, Bearman also competed in Formula 2 with Prema, alongside teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Although the season did not go entirely as expected for Bearman or his team, he gained invaluable experience by participating in three F1 races that year—once with Ferrari and twice with Haas. These outings demonstrated his potential despite the challenges he faced during his rookie Formula 1 season.
Continuing Ferrari Ambitions While Racing for Haas
Although Bearman remains under contract with Haas, he is still an active member of Ferrari’s driver development program and hopes to earn a race seat at Maranello eventually. He maintains frequent contact with Ferrari, aiming to showcase his progress and readiness to represent the team once again.
“My dream remains to drive for Ferrari in Formula 1. They have trusted me from the very first steps of my career. The dream is to wear a red suit again and return to that car,”
Bearman said during the High Performance podcast.
His initial transition to Formula 1 came with difficulties, making strong communication between Bearman, Ferrari, and Haas crucial. Ferrari’s input, including that of Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, has played a significant role in helping the driver navigate this phase.
“The dialogue remains very open throughout the year and will continue as long as I am affiliated with Ferrari. I felt it was important to make clear the difficulties I was encountering with Haas. It was important because you see the results, but they do not tell the full story. Obviously, I was told what they [Ferrari] expected from me and where they wanted me to improve,”
Bearman added.
The Pressure and Prospects of a Ferrari-Supported Racer
As the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses, Bearman’s honest reflections highlight the complex position of being a Ferrari-backed driver competing within a satellite team like Haas. While his focus is on extracting the best from Haas’s current car, the opportunity to return to Ferrari’s main squad remains a motivating force in his career.
If Bearman can continue to close the performance gap and meet Ferrari’s high standards, it is likely that he will be considered for a full-time seat at Maranello sooner rather than later. His journey embodies the high stakes and intense scrutiny faced by young talents linked to Formula 1’s elite outfits, making his progress an important storyline to follow in the seasons ahead.
