Guenther Steiner: Ollie Bearman Ready for Ferrari Seat in 2027

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has declared Ollie Bearman his rookie of the year and an "obvious candidate" for a Ferrari seat in 2027. Steiner highlighted the young Brit's significant growth throughout the season, noting a dramatic reduction in mistakes and a strong fighting spirit in the second half. This endorsement adds weight to the growing belief that the Ferrari Driver Academy member is on a trajectory to join a top team.

Why it matters:

Steiner's opinion carries significant weight as he oversaw Bearman's entire rookie campaign at Haas, a Ferrari-affiliated team. For the Scuderia, identifying and securing the next top talent is paramount, especially with Lewis Hamilton's future beyond 2026 uncertain. Bearman's potential promotion would be a major success story for the Ferrari Driver Academy and could shape the team's competitive future for years to come.

The details:

• Season Progression: Steiner noted Bearman was "fast but making mistakes" early on, collecting penalty points. However, he matured significantly in the second half, eliminating errors while maintaining his aggressive overtaking ability.
• On-Track Results: Bearman finished 13th in the drivers' standings with 41 points, outscoring his experienced teammate, Esteban Ocon (38 points). His season highlight was a fourth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix.
• Ferrari Connection: As a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Bearman is already within the Maranello fold. Steiner's comments align with other pundits, like Martin Brundle, who also see Bearman as a logical fit for the Scuderia.
• Rookie of the Year: Despite finishing behind fellow rookies Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar in the standings, Steiner's personal choice of Bearman underscores his belief in the driver's raw talent and development curve.

Looking Ahead:

The 2027 Ferrari seat is the primary target, with its availability likely hinging on Lewis Hamilton's performance in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. With Charles Leclerc locked in, Bearman would be competing for the second seat. If Hamilton's tenure doesn't yield the desired results, Ferrari may look to its young academy prospect to usher in a new era, making Bearman a name to watch closely in the coming seasons.