The Formula 1 paddock is buzzing with one name that has transcended the typical rookie narrative: Oliver Bearman. As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the 19-year-old British driver has not only cemented his place on the grid but has also ignited fervent speculation about a future in the coveted scarlet red of Ferrari. Following a season where he defied expectations, outscored a veteran teammate, and held his own against world champions, Bearman is making it clear that his ambitions soar far beyond the midfield.

The “Race in Red” Dream

The conversation surrounding Bearman’s future reached a fever pitch recently when Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle suggested that Ferrari should look “no further” than Bearman as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton. For any young driver, such an endorsement carries immense weight, but for Bearman, the connection is personal and deep-rooted.

“Is that a nice target to have? Yeah,” Bearman admitted in a candid interview, reflecting on the high praise. “You know, I made my debut with Ferrari, so I’ve always had that connection with them being with the academy. I’m still with the academy, and we still have a very close relationship.”

While the allure of Maranello is undeniable, Bearman displays a maturity beyond his years. He acknowledges that driving for Ferrari is the “obvious target at one stage,” but he remains grounded in his current reality with Haas. “My goal in life is to win races and to race in red as well,” he stated, unequivocally planting his flag for the future while emphasizing his commitment to his current team’s growth.

A Rookie Season to Remember

The 2025 season was a crucible for Bearman, and by all accounts, he emerged forged in steel. Competing in his first full season, he faced the daunting task of measuring up against Esteban Ocon, a race winner with years of experience. The final tally tells a story of remarkable talent and adaptability: Bearman finished the year with 41 points, narrowly edging out Ocon’s 38.

This internal victory at Haas is significant. In a sport where your teammate is your first benchmark, beating a seasoned campaigner like Ocon in a debut season is a rare feat. Bearman describes the campaign as “strong but honest,” noting that his development was a game of patience and persistence.

“It’s easy to forget that in the middle of the season I had a run of four or five 11th places in a row,” Bearman recalled. “That was consistent, just not quite good enough. But we gained a bit of car performance and that 11th turned into a 10th, a 9th, an 8th.”

He credits the summer break as a pivotal moment, after which he found a “really good rhythm and momentum.” This steady accumulation of points and confidence transformed him from a promising rookie into a reliable point-scorer for the American outfit.

The Mexico Masterclass

If there was a singular moment that defined Bearman’s 2025 potential, it was the Mexico City Grand Prix. In a performance that left the paddock stunned, the young Briton secured a fourth-place finish, but it was the manner of the result that turned heads. Bearman spent the race soaking up immense pressure, holding off a train of elite drivers including Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri.

Haas Team Principal Aya Komatsu was effusive in his praise for the drive. “To soak up that pressure and make no mistakes in a rookie season is pretty amazing,” Komatsu said. He highlighted Bearman’s calmness and accuracy as indicative of a major step forward in his development.

Komatsu also noted Bearman’s “open-minded approach” and rapid learning curve. While there were earlier incidents, particularly under red flags, the team boss observed a distinct improvement in consistency from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. For a rookie to defend against multiple world champions without cracking is the kind of steel that Ferrari scouts dream of.

The Advantage of a Small Team

Despite the Ferrari rumors, Bearman is pragmatic about the benefits of starting his career at Haas. He views the smaller team environment as a crucial incubator for his talent, free from the political maneuvering that often plagues larger organizations.

“We have many benefits and pros of being a small team, and one of them is that there’s no politics,” Bearman explained. “There’s no issues to change things, and that means when coming into the team as a rookie, I’m really able to build the team around me as well.”

This ability to influence the team’s direction and focus purely on driving has allowed him to flourish. However, he is keenly aware of the looming changes in the sport.

The 2026 Reset

Looking ahead, the 2026 regulatory overhaul presents a unique opportunity. Bearman believes the new rules could level the playing field, neutralizing the experience gap that veteran drivers currently enjoy.

“You rookies have come in and had to drive cars that very experienced drivers have had for a few years,” the interviewer noted. “2026, you must be thinking we’re going to kick a few backsides now that it’s the same for everyone.”

Bearman agreed, highlighting the disparity in current seat time. “Despite me having a lot of experience in this car, it’s maybe 10 or 20% of what the guys who have been here since the start of that regulation cycle [have]. So it’s definitely beneficial, I think, for a reset.”

He expressed hope that Haas can “get it right” with the new regulations, signaling that while his eyes may be on a red car in the distance, his immediate focus is pushing Haas up the grid.

“I Believe I’m Ready”

Ultimately, confidence is the currency of Formula 1, and Oliver Bearman is not short on it. When asked if he feels prepared for a potential call-up to the Scuderia, his answer was direct.

“Well, you know, I’m in F1 and you have to back yourself,” he said. “So yes, I believe I’m ready, but I have to continue to prove that.”

Bearman’s journey in 2025—from stand-in appearances in 2024 to outperforming his teammate and dazzling in Mexico—suggests a driver on a steep upward trajectory. With the pressure mounting on Ferrari’s current lineup and the 2026 regulations promising a new dawn, Bearman has positioned himself perfectly. He is no longer just a prospect; he is a contender. And as the F1 world watches, the question isn’t if he will race in red, but when.