Oliver Bearman has emerged as a leading contender for a coveted seat at Ferrari in 2027, with former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner declaring him the “obvious candidate” to replace Lewis Hamilton if needed. The discussion around Bearman comes as the Formula 1 world braces for significant changes, and the possibility of a young driver stepping up to a legendary team heightens anticipation across the sport.
Bearman’s Impressive Rookie Campaign and Development
Bearman recently finished his first season in Formula 1, securing 13th place in the standings and accumulating 41 points—three more than his veteran Haas teammate, Esteban Ocon. Despite showing promising speed, Bearman’s early races were marked by errors and several penalty points, challenging his composure on track. Yet, his resilience and adaptability became clear as the season progressed.
Guenther Steiner reflected on the young driver’s year through a candid observation on The Red Flags Podcast:
“I mean this year starting off being fast but making mistakes, but second half of the season he got rid of them, and it’s just like a switch,”
Steiner, former Haas Team Principal. This evolution set Bearman apart from many of his peers, as he began to consistently deliver results while refining his racing style.
Steiner further examined Bearman’s earlier aggression, remarking:
“taking too much risk with the car he had.”
Steiner, former Haas Team Principal. These bold moves, while evidence of Bearman’s ambition, often resulted in mistakes and a string of penalty points—a hurdle for any rookie in such a competitive field. However, as the months passed, Bearman started making fewer errors on track, showcasing growing maturity.
His improvement was emphasized by Steiner’s comments:
“He still kept on collecting them in the second half of the season, but he didn’t make mistakes anymore, even in the race, fighting hard,”
Steiner, former Haas Team Principal. Bearman’s capacity to maintain fierce competition without repeating past mistakes highlighted significant growth.
Key Moments and Ferrari Speculation Intensify
Bearman’s standout moment of the season came with a remarkable fourth-place finish in Mexico, which underlined both his composure and talent at just 20 years of age. Such performances have only fueled speculation that he is destined for greater things, with rumors of his future involvement with Ferrari circulating more persistently in F1 circles.
The possibility of Bearman joining Ferrari hinges partly on Lewis Hamilton’s tenure and success with the team into 2027. If championship titles remain elusive, many—including Steiner—see Bearman as the natural choice to step up. Steiner made his opinion clear:
“We all know that he can overtake and as you said, I think for him the door should be open to Ferrari for ’27, because if Lewis hasn’t got the success he needs to have, I don’t think that he continues and then there is the obvious candidate there for Ferrari,”
Steiner, former Haas Team Principal.
What Bearman’s Rise Means for Ferrari and Formula 1
The speculation around Oliver Bearman Ferrari 2027 replacement is a testament to his rapid ascent through the ranks and the shifting dynamics in Formula 1. Bearman’s journey, shaped by lessons learned in his rookie season and his determination to overcome setbacks, positions him as a driver to watch in the coming years. With figures like Guenther Steiner publicly backing his talent, the excitement for what lies ahead continues to build.
As the racing world waits to see Lewis Hamilton’s trajectory with Ferrari, attention will remain fixed on Bearman’s development and potential opportunities. The stage appears set for a new generation, and if Bearman continues on his current path, he could be the next prominent name in Ferrari’s storied history—possibly taking up the iconic number 1 and leading the team into a bold new era by 2027.
