Red Bull could launch a surprise move for Haas driver Oliver Bearman if Max Verstappen decides to leave the team for McLaren in 2027. While a straight swap with Oscar Piastri has been widely speculated, Red Bull are now considering the 21-year-old British driver as an alternative.
Bearman's Rising Stock
Bearman, a Ferrari driver academy member, has impressed since securing a full-time F1 seat. He has scored 18 points for Haas this season, significantly outperforming his more experienced teammate Esteban Ocon, who has managed only three points in the same car. His performances have caught the attention of teams across the grid, including Red Bull.
Despite being groomed as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Bearman's path to a 2027 seat at Maranello appears blocked. Hamilton has exercised a contract clause to remain on the grid for 2027, stating, "I'm going to be here for quite some time, so get used to it." This leaves Bearman seeking a quicker route to the front of the grid, which Red Bull could offer.
Verstappen's Uncertain Future
Verstappen's camp has initiated talks with McLaren over a potential switch, driven by tensions with Red Bull's Austria-based executives. The Dutchman, already the highest-paid driver in F1 with a contract worth over £50 million per year signed in early 2022, is reportedly seeking improved terms. Red Bull's lack of on-track competitiveness has also strained relations.
While Verstappen staying put remains the most likely outcome, Red Bull must prepare for life after their star driver. Team principal Laurent Mekies, who signed Bearman to Ferrari's academy when he was sporting director at Maranello, is closely monitoring Bearman's development at Haas.
Red Bull's Contingency Plan
If Verstappen leaves, Mekies may look to bring Bearman to Red Bull, making him the fourth British driver at a top F1 team, alongside Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris. McLaren currently have a full driver lineup, and Piastri's manager Mark Webber has dismissed claims of his client pushing to leave as "nonsense." However, McLaren CEO Zak Brown's commitment to his drivers could be tested if Verstappen's camp signals a firm desire to make the move.
Bearman, who joined Ferrari at age 16 and has lived in Italy, previously told Express Sport: "I want to win races and championships eventually, and that's the team I want to do it with." But he may not want to remain in the midfield for long, and Red Bull could offer a more direct path to championship contention.
