Bearman urges realism amid Ferrari-Hamilton succession talk

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman has dismissed talk that he could be the next driver to fill Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Ferrari, insisting that media speculation is far from his mind as he focuses on delivering consistent results.

The 20-year-old Briton – who remains affiliated with Ferrari – delivered a remarkable result last time out at the Mexico City Grand Prix, claiming the best finish of his F1 career to date with a stunning fourth place for Haas.

The performance quickly sparked widespread praise, with Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle suggesting Bearman deserves the next available Scuderia seat, while Jacques Villeneuve said it proved he is “better in the big league.”

F1 TV analyst James Hinchcliffe even labelled Bearman the “heir apparent” to seven-time world champion Hamilton.

Remaining Grounded Amid the Headlines

In the wake of his Mexican heroics with Haas and the subsequent praise, Bearman is keen to downplay the hype.

“One weekend they’re saying this, but then when the previous weekend doesn’t go well, they’re saying the opposite,” he told Sky Sports F1.

“The media like their headlines and stuff like that, and of course it was a great weekend and I’m very happy to have done that, but I’m not really bothered about it.

“I just try and keep my head down, focus on continuing to have those good results and deliver good points for the team as well.”

The rookie has already tasted Ferrari machinery, having stood in for Carlos Sainz at last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and finishing a notable seventh, proving at the very least that he can handle the pressure of a top team.

A Lucky Result, But Momentum Matters

Despite the impressive showing in Mexico, Bearman stressed that the result was partly fortuitous and should not inflate expectations for the remainder of the season.

“Of course, it was a good weekend, but I think we have to be realistic in saying that that’s not… I don’t think we’re going to come to the next four races and expect to be fighting in the top four, top five,” he said.

• Read also: Haas ‘pumped’ for Brazil after Bearman’s Mexico City heroics

“It was of course a lucky result to have things play out as they did. But we also had really good pace, particularly in the race on Sunday in Mexico and that can definitely be transferred forward.

“But our goal, definitely for the next four races, is to be fighting in the points.”

With four races remaining in the 2025 season, Bearman’s priority is clear: consolidate his performance, rack up points for Haas, and stay grounded – leaving Ferrari speculation firmly in the headlines and not on his dashboard.

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