Bearman 'flattered' by Red Bull links amid Verstappen uncertainty

Oliver Bearman says he is "flattered" by rumours connecting him to Red Bull as the grid awaits clarity on Max Verstappen's future. The British driver, currently competing in his second season with Haas, acknowledged the speculation ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix but remains firmly focused on his current team.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential departure has unsettled the driver market. The four-time world champion has until October to decide whether to stay at Red Bull beyond this season, with his contract containing an exit clause activated by his standing outside the top two after the Hungarian Grand Prix. McLaren has also reportedly held talks with his representatives recently, while Bearman's name entering the frame highlights how aggressively rivals are positioning for a potential vacancy at one of the sport's most coveted seats.

The details:

• Bearman, a Ferrari junior since 2022, made his F1 debut with the Scuderia in 2024 and has impressed during his tenure at Haas, consistently outperforming teammate Esteban Ocon.
• Despite the Red Bull links, the 21-year-old has made no secret of his desire to land a full-time Ferrari drive, stating the Italian manufacturer is "the reason I'm here right now." He currently has no deal in place for 2027.
• Red Bull has endured a difficult season despite the FIA rating its new power unit as the best on the grid, with aerodynamic and chassis deficiencies hampering cornering performance.
• Verstappen remains non-committal about his future, insisting he will announce any decision personally when the time comes.

What's next:

Bearman faces an uncertain future as he waits to secure his place on the 2027 grid. While Red Bull represents an attractive option on paper, his heart appears set on Maranello. For now, both his fate and Verstappen's remain closely intertwined, with the summer break unlikely to provide any immediate answers to Formula 1's most pressing driver market questions.