Oliver Bearman has been refreshingly honest about his ultimate ambition in Formula 1, conceding that a seat at Ferrari is the dream he is chasing – even as he pledged his immediate loyalty to Haas in the wake of Charles Leclerc's new long-term deal.
The announcement of Leclerc's multi-year extension, confirmed in the build-up to his home race, inevitably prompted questions about the Scuderia's driver line-up and where a highly rated Ferrari junior like Bearman might fit in. The young Briton, who races for Haas in 2026, did not pretend otherwise.
"Of course, that's my target one day [to join Ferrari], but at the moment I'm focused on my job here at Haas and also enjoying it," Bearman said during Thursday's media day in Monaco.
Rather than view Leclerc's renewal as a roadblock, Bearman was quick to celebrate it. The Monegasque has become synonymous with the famous red cars, and Bearman made no secret of his admiration.
"First of all, it's really cool to see Charles renewing," he said. "I don't know about you guys, but I only see Charles in red and it's really nice to see him renewing, especially before his home race – it must be very nice."
Pressed on whether the timing of the deal had any bearing on his own situation, Bearman was unequivocal that the two matters were entirely separate, and that his energy remains fixed on the task in front of him.
"It's very cool and a good place to announce it at home," he said. "On my side, my focus remains the same. I'm continuing with Haas, enjoying very much the journey and learning a hell of a lot."
Bearman's measured response speaks to the position he occupies – a Ferrari-backed talent serving an apprenticeship at one of the grid's smaller teams, building experience and mileage while keeping one eye on the longer game. His debut campaign has already offered flashes of the speed that earned him such a strong reputation in the junior categories, and Haas continues to provide the platform for that development.
For now, the message is one of patience. Leclerc's commitment may have tied down one Ferrari seat for the foreseeable future, but Bearman appears content to bide his time, gather experience and let his results make the case. The target, by his own admission, has not changed – only the timeline. And in Monaco, where reputations can be made in a single qualifying lap, the 2026 season offers him another chance to show why Ferrari invested in him in the first place.
Source: newsformula.one