AUSTIN — Oliver Bearman is set to welcome a new teammate for the 2027 Formula 1 season, as he and Haas are expected to confirm a new contract for the upcoming campaign. This will essentially make Bearman a seasoned driver within the team.
While this opportunity allows Bearman to step into a leadership role, he feels his significant progress this season has already showcased his potential on the track.
“Honestly, I think I’ve already demonstrated that,” Bearman said when speaking to the media about what his leadership role next year could mean for the top teams.
“This year has been a big step for me in terms of my on-track performance. But more importantly, it’s about how I interact with the team and transition into that leadership position. I’ve noticed a real improvement not just in my approach but in how the team values my insights and feedback,” he added.
“It’s crucial to be viewed as the team leader with more experience, but I’m already working well toward that.”
Bearman continued, “This year has really marked progress in that area. Coming from Formula Two, I understand it’s not an immediate transition and that it takes time. But I believe I’ve come quite a long way.”
Haas also confirmed that Rafael Câmara will be joining them next year, which sets the stage for an interesting dynamic between the two young drivers. They both began their journey as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy at the same time and will now partner on the F1 grid.
“Actually, it’s amusing because we both joined Ferrari on the same day,” Bearman remarked. “We signed together, and our birthdays are just a few days apart. It’s really exciting! He has been doing well in the junior formulas, and I think Haas is a great place for him to kick off his F1 career. The team is welcoming and probably quite different from others.
“I’m not sure about how the other teams treat rookies, but I’ve really enjoyed the atmosphere here.”
With both drivers part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, many anticipate a competitive “showdown” between Bearman and Câmara for a future spot with Scuderia.
For now, Bearman is focused on his role at Haas.
But thoughts of the future linger.
“I’m committed to Haas, and the details of the deal aren’t really something I focus on. I’m happy to be in F1, but of course, I’m also eager to contend for podiums and compete up front,” Bearman explained.
“When it comes to midfield teams, Haas is where I want to be and where I see my future. However, at some stage, I feel I’ve earned the chance to aim for a top-four team. With my connection to Ferrari, that would be the ultimate dream. But like I said, I’m not diving into the specifics; my short-term ambition is clear, while my medium- to long-term goal is to fight for podiums.”
“I hope Haas can provide me that pathway, but we’ll see.”
