David Coulthard says Ferrari can’t keep Oliver Bearman waiting forever despite Lewis Hamilton form

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David Coulthard has warned Ferrari that they will be under pressure to promote Oliver Bearman to a race seat, despite Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence in 2026.

Many people felt that the seven-time champion would call time on his career after 2026 if he could not perform under the new ruleset. But as the opening two races have shown, Hamilton is flourishing with the new cars.

Scoring his maiden podium in red in China, Damon Hill says Hamilton is ‘rejuvenated’ at Ferrari as he finally looks to have a competitive package. It has completely changed the picture of Bearman’s career, who could now be denied a seat in Maranello.

Is Oliver Bearman the right choice to fill the next empty race seat at Ferrari?

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The Haas driver has been electric thus far in 2026, sitting fifth in the championship. But with Hamilton’s improved form and with his and Leclerc’s long-term contracts, there is likely no room for him at Ferrari in 2027.

Bearman’s Haas deal runs until 2027, and he would be happy to stay with the team next year. However, Coulthard has warned that Ferrari cannot leave him on the sidelines for too long.

David Coulthard warns Ferrari are under pressure to promote Oliver Bearman

The former F1 driver and Will Buxton discussed Bearman on Up To Speed and how Ferrari are under pressure to give him a seat, even with Hamilton and Leclerc’s improved form.

Buxton said: “But he’s a phenomenal racing driver and Ferrari have got a star on their hands. The question isn’t, will they promote him? It’s when.”

To which Coulthard added: “They don’t want to miss that opportunity, though. And that’s one of the pressures they have with Lewis. And I’m assuming it will be Lewis that’s the one that will eventually step down.

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“Because, when a star is ascending, you’ve got to catch that wave. And if they stay too long, not being challenged.

“Because let’s be frank, there’s a big difference in pressure when you’re at Haas and overperforming than if you’re at Ferrari and you’re half a tenth slower than your teammate, everything changes.

“So getting that moment to bring him into the spotlight, the real spotlight, and the real spotlight is way, way hotter than any of these guys in the big grid can really believe.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Oliver Bearman from F1 stats to net worth

Could another F1 team swoop in to sign Oliver Bearman?

With Bearman’s exceptional talent, it would not be surprising for several teams to snoop around and try to sign the Brit in the future.

Christian Danner has told Bearman to join McLaren if Ferrari continue to delay his promotion from Haas. Buxton also warned the Maranello outfit that other rivals could make a move for him on the F1 driver market.

“And if they wait too long and he believes he’s ready for that chance, what’s going to stop somebody else from swooping in and stealing him?” he added.

“Whether that’s a Red Bull, a Mercedes, a McLaren, a whoever, you don’t want to let a talent like Ollie go. So Ferrari got some big decisions to make.”