The Formula 1 paddock is processing driver market changes following reports that Red Bull is closely monitoring Haas driver Oliver Bearman. According to Sky Sports F1 lead commentator David Croft, Red Bull is keeping “very close tabs” on the young British driver as a potential long-term option. This interest develops at a time when Max Verstappen’s long-term future with Red Bull remains a frequent talking point. Paddock discussion increased after Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies was seen in conversation with Jos Verstappen and manager Raymond Vermeulen. Mekies possesses a direct link to Bearman’s development, having originally signed the British teenager to the Ferrari Driver Academy during his previous tenure as sporting director at Maranello.
Why Is a Direct Ferrari Path Unlikely for Bearman?
Despite being a prominent member of the Ferrari junior setup, Bearman’s promotion to the Scuderia works team faces contractual obstacles. Charles Leclerc remains secured on a long-term contract, while Lewis Hamilton’s strong competitive form and reports indicate he will remain with the team for multiple seasons.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle observed that Bearman’s primary route to the works Ferrari team has effectively been “cut off” by the current driver lineup. Brundle noted that with Haas facing development challenges, Bearman might need to evaluate alternative career paths.
🚨 Red Bull sigue muy de cerca a OLIVER BEARMAN como posible sustituto de Max Verstappen en Red Bull
👉 David Croft: “Sé que Red Bull está siguiendo muy de cerca a Ollie Bearman”.
👉 Martin Brundle: “Ollie verá que Leclerc ha renovado con Ferrari, y parece que Hamilton se… pic.twitter.com/m0JIndhsNz
— Fórmula Directa (@FormulaDirecta) July 11, 2026
“Ollie will be seeing that Charles Leclerc has re-signed at Ferrari, and Lewis Hamilton looks like he’s going to hang around for quite a few years now,” said Brundle as quoted by Planet F1.
“Over your shoulder is the Red Bull hospitality unit. Laurent Mekies, the team principal, was the man that signed Ollie Bearman to the Ferrari Academy,” said Croft.
“I know Red Bull are keeping very close tabs on Ollie Bearman.
“If he hasn’t got a way into the Scuderia, that might be a very good option for Red Bull and for Ollie.”
What Is the Status of the Verstappen and Piastri Rumours?
Speculation regarding Verstappen potentially utilizing an exit clause to depart Red Bull has triggered secondary rumours involving McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Initial paddock reports suggested Piastri might be considering options outside of McLaren or could be involved in a driver exchange, particularly if Verstappen moved toward the Woking-based team.
However, these claims have been dismissed by Piastri’s management. Speaking to RACER, Piastri’s manager and former F1 driver Mark Webber clarified the Australian’s status:
“Oscar is contracted to McLaren for the foreseeable future. Talk of him agitating to leave is nonsense. There has been a lot of fiction written about him and other teams… McLaren have repeatedly said they want him for the long term and Oscar is focused on that.”
Sources within both McLaren and Piastri’s inner circle confirmed to RacingNews365 that the relationship remains entirely unchanged, and the driver is committed to his current multi-year contract.
