Haas Name Their Price to Sign Ferrari’s Rising Star Oliver Bearman
As the Formula 1 driver market begins to heat up, Haas has thrown down the gauntlet putting a price tag on one of the most exciting young prospects in the sport: Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman. But how far is Ferrari willing to go to secure his future and what does this mean for the future of the Haas team?
A Star Is Born: Bearman’s Stunning F1 Debut
Few drivers make a lasting impression on their Formula 1 debut, but Oliver Bearman is not your average rookie. The 18-year-old British talent was thrust into the spotlight at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2024, replacing an unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari on extremely short notice. Against all odds, Bearman not only held his own he thrived.
Finishing 7th and earning points on debut in a Ferrari, the young gun showcased remarkable composure, raw pace, and an ability to race wheel-to-wheel with the sport’s veterans. Instantly, whispers around the paddock began: Is Bearman Ferrari’s next golden boy?
Haas Enters the Conversation
Bearman’s ties to Ferrari are well established. As a member of the Scuderia’s Driver Academy, he’s been part of the Italian team’s long-term development plans. However, with Ferrari’s main seats likely locked in for the foreseeable future barring major surprises it’s Haas who has stepped up to offer a lifeline.
Sources within the paddock confirm that Haas is actively pursuing Bearman for a full-time race seat in 2025, and they’ve made their stance clear: Ferrari must be ready to invest.
The Financial Equation
Haas has reportedly “named their price” to release a coveted race seat to Bearman. That price, according to insiders, isn’t just monetary it’s also technical.
The American team is looking for a deeper partnership with Ferrari, potentially including increased access to Ferrari parts, data-sharing agreements, or enhanced power unit support. Essentially, Haas is saying: “If you want to place Bearman in our car, let’s talk serious collaboration.”
This kind of move wouldn’t be without precedent. In past years, Ferrari has strategically placed its junior drivers in customer teams to develop them think Charles Leclerc at Sauber, or Mick Schumacher’s previous stint at Haas.
But this time, Haas appears determined to turn the situation to their advantage.
The Line-Up Question: Who Gets the Axe?
With Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen currently occupying the Haas seats, the question becomes—who’s on the chopping block?
While both drivers bring experience and stability, neither is considered a long-term solution. Hülkenberg, in particular, has been linked with other teams for 2025, and Magnussen has struggled with consistency. Introducing Bearman would signal a new era for Haas: a focus on youth, long-term growth, and a potential stepping stone to deeper integration with Ferrari.
A Bigger Strategic Move?
Beyond driver talent, this move reflects a growing trend among F1’s midfield teams: leveraging young talent to gain political and technical leverage.
By aligning with Ferrari through Bearman, Haas could secure more than just a promising rookie. They might gain access to better technology, increased visibility, and potentially even financial backing from the Prancing Horse’s junior programme.
It’s a smart business move if Ferrari agrees to play ball.
Ferrari’s Dilemma: Hold or Fold?
From Ferrari’s perspective, Bearman is clearly a gem. His calm under pressure and raw speed make him a natural successor to either Leclerc or Sainz should the need arise.
But 2025 might be too soon for a full Ferrari seat so loaning him out makes sense. The challenge? Making sure the environment is right for his continued development.
Is Haas the right fit? And is the price they’re demanding worth paying?
Ferrari will need to weigh the costs and benefits. But given Bearman’s meteoric rise, the Scuderia may have no choice but to agree if they wish to secure his trajectory within their system.
What’s Next?
As the driver market continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Oliver Bearman is no longer just a promising junior. He’s a serious player in the F1 future.
And Haas, often dismissed as a backmarker, may just be playing a much smarter game behind the scenes.
Whether or not the deal goes through, one thing’s for sure 2025 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for both Haas and Ferrari. And at the center of it all is a teenager who’s proving, race by race, that he belongs on the biggest stage.