Ferrari Vet Jock Clear Believes Haas's Bearman Is Poised for 2026 Success

Former Ferrari engineer Jock Clear has thrown his weight behind Haas driver Oliver Bearman, predicting the young Brit will thrive under Formula 1's new 2026 regulations. Clear believes the upcoming rule change will specifically highlight Bearman's strengths, drawing a subtle comparison to Charles Leclerc and suggesting the 20-year-old possesses the raw talent for a future world title.

Why it matters:

For a team like Haas, which has often struggled for consistency, identifying and developing a driver who can extract maximum performance from a new car is paramount. Bearman's success could signal a significant step forward for the American outfit, potentially elevating them into the midfield battle's upper echelon. Furthermore, Clear's endorsement, given his extensive experience with top-tier talent, adds significant weight to the narrative that the 2026 reset could be a defining moment for the next generation of F1 stars.

The details:

• Clear's Confidence: Jock Clear stated, "Ollie Bearman, I think, will do well next year," emphasizing that the new regulations will work in the young driver's favor by showcasing his abilities.
• Title-Winning Potential: The veteran engineer, who worked closely with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, placed Bearman in the same category of drivers he believes could one day win the world championship.
• A Young Driver's Game?: Clear's sentiment echoes that of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who suggested the 2026 overhaul could naturally favor younger talents like Max Verstappen and George Russell, indicating a potential shift in the grid's hierarchy.
• Other Impressions: Clear also noted being "really impressed" by Formula 2 driver Isack Hadjar, though his primary focus remained on Bearman's readiness for the F1 challenge.

What's next:

With the 2026 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Bearman as he partners with experienced teammate Esteban Ocon at Haas. The team's ability to build a competitive car under the new regulations will be the ultimate test of Clear's prediction. If Bearman can translate this perceived potential into on-track results, it could not only validate the young driver's talent but also redefine Haas's ambitions in the new era of Formula 1.