With Oliver Bearman firing on all cylinders in his sophomore Formula 1 campaign, it feels odd that Haas has been able to confirm the identity of Esteban Ocon's replacement in the second seat for 2027 before announcing Bearman is staying put for a third year. There is no real doubt that Bearman will stay where he is, with both parties keen to continue for another season into 2027. "I think it's very clear. I want to continue with Haas and that's definitely my goal," Bearman said in Mexico on Thursday. "It's not really in my hands... there are a few bigger picture things that we're working on." Team principal Komatsu added: "Ollie is showing amazing potential. He's contributing a lot to the team's success and we want to grow together. We want to move up the grid as a team." The delay is not about 2027 but about what happens next. Autosport understands that should Ferrari be unable to guarantee him a seat in 2028 – after three years of being loaned out to customer team Haas – then Bearman will have the freedom to part ways with Maranello. Ferrari's 2027 lineup is solidifying: Lewis Hamilton has secured a contract and Charles Leclerc is locked in until at least 2030. The priority for Bearman's camp is ensuring another year at Haas does not restrict his 2028 prospects. Komatsu stresses both parties want to continue working together, though the exact hold‑up remains undisclosed. The delicate balance of retaining Bearman while protecting his future is what is being negotiated behind closed doors.
Oliver Bearman's performance makes his retention a priority for Haas, while Ferrari must decide whether to keep him beyond 2027. The uncertainty stems from Ferrari's commitment to Hamilton and Leclerc, leaving Bearman's long‑term path unclear.
Komatsu emphasizes alignment between driver and team, dismissing pay rumours as "absolute nonsense." The real issue is securing a guaranteed seat for 2028 before formally extending Bearman's Haas deal, a situation that is currently being worked out behind closed doors.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing