David Croft knows Ferrari rivals are now interested in signing Oliver Bearman

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Sky Sports commentator David Croft has revealed that he knows Ferrari’s rivals are interested in signing Oliver Bearman.

Bearman, 21, has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2022 and made his Formula 1 debut for the Scuderia in 2024 when he stepped in at the last minute for Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia. 

In 2025, Bearman joined Haas for his first full season in the sport, driving alongside Frenchman Esteban Ocon.

Since then, the 21-year-old has produced a string of impressive performances, having so far scored 18 points in 2026, 15 points more than Ocon.

Although Bearman has previously admitted that his main goal is to eventually drive for Ferrari, his route to a seat with the Scuderia currently looks blocked.

Charles Leclerc has recently signed a new contract with the team, and Lewis Hamilton has rediscovered his form, making him currently undroppable.

When will Oliver Bearman replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari?

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David Croft says Red Bull are keeping ‘very close tabs’ on Oliver Bearman

Speaking at the British Grand Prix, Sky Sports F1 commentator Croft claimed that Red Bull are keeping ‘very close tabs’ on Bearman’s situation, with Laurent Mekies said to be a big fan, having signed him at Ferrari. 

Croft said: “Over your shoulder is the Red Bull hospitality unit; Laurent Mekies, the team principal, was the man who signed Ollie Bearman to the Ferrari Academy.

“I know Red Bull are keeping very close tabs on Ollie Bearman, and if he hasn’t got a way into the Scuderia, that might be a very good option for Red Bull and for Ollie.”

What does Oliver Bearman need to do to become a Ferrari driver in 2027?

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READ MORE: Oliver Bearman predicts F1 world champion will retire at the end of 2026

Martin Brundle suspects Oliver Bearman may have to look for a ‘Plan B’

Before Croft’s revelation, former F1 drivers Martin Brundle and Jenson Button agreed on the fact that Bearman could become stuck at Haas.

Brundle alluded to the fact that both Leclerc and Hamilton do not look like they will be leaving Ferrari any time soon, which is blocking Bearman’s path to the team. 

Meanwhile, Button urged Bearman to stay focused and continue to prove himself in F1, but stated that the 21-year-old’s management should be speaking to other teams about a potential move.

Brundle began: “Charles Leclerc has re-signed for Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton looks like he is sticking around for a few years. He’s a little bit locked in at the moment; he might have to find a Plan B.”

Button then added: “I think for him, stay focused right now; he’s so young, but for his management, they need to talk to other teams because he could get stuck in this team.”