Bearman sends Ferrari message as Lewis Hamilton succession talk gathers pace

Haas star Ollie Bearman has sent a message to Ferrari as he continues to await an opportunity at a top team.

The young Brit has been tabbed as the future of the Scuderia since his time in junior series racing, making a surprise first appearance for the team in 2024 when Carlos Sainz was unavailable with appendicitis, but remains scuffling around the mid-table with Haas as his second full season in the sport comes to an end.

Bearman is expected to come back for a third year with Haas once his current contract situation is resolved, but reportedly must be signed by Ferrari for the 2028 season at the latest for the Scuderia to avoid losing control of their young asset.

That decision looks to be tied to the future of Lewis Hamilton, with Charles Leclerc unlikely to be pushed out.

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Bearman: If you don't have belief, you've already lost

Speaking to AutoMoto about his future and whether he could hold his own at Ferrari, Bearman said: "I think I have what it takes. It's a bit frustrating to only fight for 10th place when things are going well. But I wouldn't say that makes me impatient.

"I think this journey will make me more appreciative of finally having that chance when it happens. For now, it pushes me to work as hard as I can to make that dream a reality."

“If I had the opportunity to drive a competitive enough car, then I would make sure to give myself a chance to fight for the title. If I didn't think I had what it takes, I shouldn't be here. You have to have the belief that you're one of the best. If you don't have that, you've already lost the race.”

Bearman opens up on relationship with new team-mate

Bearman's new team-mate Rafael Camara, in to replace Esteban Ocon after his surprising early exit in Mexico, is a fellow Ferrari Driver Academy member, and could become direct competition for any Ferrari vacancy if he impresses with Haas.

“He's a good driver," Bearman said.

"We've shared the Academy experience since the beginning: we were announced on the same day. We've had many adventures together, and he did very well in both Formula 3 and Formula 2.

"I'm looking forward to competing with him, and I think he'll be a good addition to the team. He'll bring a different, fresh perspective. It was the same for me when I came from F2.

"There are aspects of F2 that are much more difficult than F1, and the perspective is different coming from that category. It's quite interesting. I'm curious to know what feedback he gets on the car."

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