Brundle: Bearman Needs 'Plan B' to Land Competitive Seat

Oliver Bearman has long been linked with Ferrari, having joined their driver academy several years ago. He made a dream debut with the senior team at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, stepping in for an unwell Carlos Sainz and finishing seventh.

But with Lewis Hamilton enjoying a form resurgence this year, former F1 driver Martin Brundle believes Bearman might need to consider an alternative path. He argues that the Ferrari seats are locked in for Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for the foreseeable future.

"Haas is a brilliantly credible team on the F1 grid, I wouldn't want to underplay what they're doing, and we'd miss them massively," Brundle said. "Ollie might need a Plan B because obviously Lewis and Charles are nailed on at Ferrari for a little while. They've got some other fast kids coming along. Ollie Bearman was the future star, the heir apparent within the Ferrari staircase. So I don't know where he goes from here."

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Bearman is currently in his second full F1 season with Esteban Ocon at Haas. However, his future with the American squad is uncertain, especially with the 2027 driver line-up reportedly attracting interest from several young names.

When asked if Haas will keep its line-up unchanged for 2027, Brundle replied: "No, I don't. I do believe they're also looking at some other young drivers."

This comes amid speculation that Bearman, once tipped as Hamilton's eventual replacement at Ferrari, may now have to seek opportunities elsewhere to secure a competitive car. With Hamilton's contract extending and Leclerc's consistent form, a promotion to the top team seems distant.

For Bearman, this decision could define his career. Staying at Haas might offer experience, but if he aims for the front, he may need to find a team that provides a faster route to contention.