Red Bull linked with surprise Max Verstappen successor as Oliver Bearman emerges as candidate – Red Bull are reportedly considering Haas driver Oliver Bearman as a potential long-term replacement for Max Verstappen, with Sky Sports commentator David Croft claiming the Milton Keynes team is closely monitoring the Ferrari junior.
The latest development comes as uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future continues, while TJ13 understands Red Bull is already preparing internally for the possibility of losing its four-time world champion.
David Croft names Bearman as Red Bull option
Much of the recent speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has centred on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, with reports suggesting the Australian could become part of a sensational driver-market reshuffle if Verstappen leaves Red Bull.
However, Sky Sports Formula 1 commentator David Croft believes another highly-rated young driver is firmly on Red Bull’s radar.
“Team principal Laurent Mekies was the man who originally signed Ollie Bearman for the Ferrari Academy. I know that Red Bull is keeping a very close eye on Bearman,” Croft said.
He added: “This could be a very good option for both Ollie and Red Bull.”
Bearman is currently racing for Haas after graduating from Ferrari’s academy programme. While he remains contracted to Ferrari, opportunities at the Scuderia appear limited, with Charles Leclerc tied to a long-term deal and Lewis Hamilton continuing to lead the team’s resurgence.
Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle also believes Bearman may eventually need to look elsewhere.
“He may need to find a Plan B,” Brundle said, suggesting a move ahead of the 2027 season could become an attractive option.
Verstappen uncertainty continues to dominate Red Bull
Bearman’s future may depend entirely on Verstappen’s next move. The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a Red Bull exit in recent weeks, with McLaren emerging as one of several teams reportedly being discussed as a possible destination.
Neither Verstappen nor Red Bull has publicly confirmed any decision, but the continued silence has only intensified speculation across the Formula 1 paddock.
Earlier this week, TJ13 revealed that Red Bull insiders are increasingly preparing for the possibility that Verstappen’s time with the team is coming to an end.
A Red Bull source told TJ13 that the team is preparing for a Verstappen announcement
While neither Red Bull nor Verstappen has publicly commented on the latest speculation, TJ13 has received information from a source close to the Red Bull operation indicating that, behind closed doors, members of the factory team are increasingly expecting Verstappen to confirm his departure once contractual conditions allow.
Although no official decision has been announced, the source said internal planning has already begun around the possibility of losing the four-time world champion, reflecting a growing acceptance within the organisation that his exit is becoming increasingly likely.
TJ13 has not independently verified where Verstappen intends to race next, but the information aligns with a growing number of reports suggesting Red Bull is preparing for life without its star driver.
Why Bearman could fit Red Bull’s plans
Bearman has established himself as one of Formula 1’s most promising young talents since joining Haas, impressing with his speed and composure despite driving for one of the grid’s smaller teams.
His previous relationship with Laurent Mekies could also prove significant. Mekies played a key role in Bearman’s development during his time at Ferrari, and Croft believes that connection makes the British driver a realistic option if Red Bull ultimately needs a replacement.
For now, however, Red Bull’s priority remains resolving Verstappen’s future. Until the Dutchman publicly commits to staying or confirms a departure, speculation over potential successors is expected to continue, with Piastri and now Bearman among the names being linked to one of Formula 1’s most sought-after seats.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
Such a scenario would be interesting, & of course, if Ollie left Haas (& stopped his Ferrari association, for that matter), Ocon would even more clearly be kept to have at least some driver continuity into next season, while Camara would definitely become Ollie’s direct successor.