Oliver Bearman recently signed a multi-year contract with Haas, making him the first rookie of the upcoming season. The 19-year-old Brit is lauded for his ‘mature character’ and his commitment to the team. But is that enough to eventually move up to Ferrari and compete for Lewis Hamilton’s seat?
Oliver Bearman has already made some strides with the Scuderia; the Formula 2 driver stepped in for Carlos Sainz during the Saudi Arabian GP. Bearman, who is part of the Italians’ training program, hopes to secure a more permanent seat in Maranello in the future.
“It’s hard not to think about it, but I’m not focused on it right now,” Bearman said during the race weekend in Silverstone about a possible future with Ferrari. “For now, I can only do my best, that’s the goal. Everything that comes after, I can’t decide. I’m currently focusing on my future with Haas – I really can’t wait to get started.”
Yet, Oliver Bearman knows exactly what he wants. “The long-term dream remains the same, I want to be successful in Formula 1,” he continued. “I want to win races and championships, and with the support and loyalty that Ferrari has shown me, it makes sense that I would want to do that with them.” The question is whether he can follow the same career path as Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque ended up with the Scuderia after a year of practice with Sauber. Bearman is expected to wait for the retirement of Lewis Hamilton – the 39-year-old former world champion has already secured a multi-year contract with the Italians.
That doesn’t stop the young Brit from dreaming of the Italian racing team. “It’s every boy’s dream to drive for Ferrari,” he beamed. “My debut has only strengthened that, but at the same time, I need to keep looking at the short term. I will first have to finish Formula 2 and then I look forward to the adventure with Haas.”
