Oliver Bearman ‘should really go to McLaren’ as Lewis Hamilton blocks his path to Ferrari

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Oliver Bearman should pursue a McLaren F1 seat rather than relying on Ferrari, Christian Danner says. Bearman is part of the Scuderia’s driver academy and dreams of racing in red.

When Lewis Hamilton endured a nightmare first season at Ferrari, it looked as if Bearman could get the seat alongside Charles Leclerc as soon as 2027. The youngster made a steady start to his rookie season but notched three top-six finishes before the end of the year.

However, Hamilton’s resurgence at the start of F1’s new era, highlighted by his maiden Ferrari podium in China, is changing the narrative. It now appears far more likely that he will see out his three-year contract at the very least.

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

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Christian Danner tells Oliver Bearman to pursue McLaren seat

As reported by Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero, Hamilton’s transformation has changed everything for Bearman. And Danner says he needs to start considering options outside of Ferrari.

Speaking to Motorsport-Magazin, the ex-F1 driver advised him to seek negotiations with McLaren, provided he can find a way out of his Ferrari contract.

“He’s definitely someone with a Formula 1 future,” Danner said. “He should really go to McLaren or somewhere else. But I don’t think he has completely free rein there, because he’s under contract with Ferrari.”

• READ MORE: Oliver Bearman celebrates Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari podium in unheard Chinese Grand Prix radio

Of course, the obvious concern here is that Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are both on long-term deals. McLaren have no desire to change the line-up that has delivered back-to-back constructors’ titles, having repeatedly labelled it the best on the grid.

Piastri has been linked with Ferrari, but in all likelihood, Bearman will be quickly rebuffed if he makes contact with Zak Brown.

Oliver Bearman to Audi? It could make sense

What are Bearman’s other options if his Ferrari dream doesn’t pan out? Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future beyond 2028 looks more uncertain than ever given his dissatisfaction with the new regulations.

One suspects that Bearman, who battled Isack Hadjar in Formula 2, would be on Red Bull’s shortlist if they need an external replacement. Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson will naturally be at the front of the queue, though.

Mercedes may only break their George Russell/Kimi Antonelli partnership if Verstappen is on the market (and willing to stay in F1 long-term).

Audi want to win titles by 2030, so they may be one to watch long-term. They could be a powerful driver market player once Nico Hulkenberg retires.