Bearman admits Hamilton's 2026 revival 'not ideal' for Ferrari dream

It was actually a mightily impressive P7 finish for Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP that is largely credited for securing the Haas seat for Bearman - slotting in for Carlos Sainz that weekend after the Spaniard was diagnosed with appendicitis.

A promising rookie campaign in 2025, with a P4 finish in Mexico the obvious highlight, saw the Briton linked with a move to Ferrari, especially given Hamilton's debut season struggles - finishing in P6, without a podium, and 96 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

However, the seven-time world champion's form has turned around in dramatic fashion. Hamilton, happier in the 2026 generation of F1 cars, and with more input into the development of the SF-26 has secured his maiden win in red in Barcelona, along with four other podium finishes. The 41-year-old sits in P2 in the standings at the halfway stage of the season, 50 points behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.

Speaking on F1's Beyond the Grid podcast, Bearman admitted that while it is "pretty cool" to see Hamilton back in form, and amongst fellow Britons Lando Norris and George Russell on the top step in Barcelona, it is "not ideal" when it comes to his Ferrari future. The Haas driver does know he has time on his side, however.

Bearman said: "As an F1 fan and a Lewis fan as well, it's pretty cool to see him performing at the level he is. Seeing him on the top step in Barcelona was quite a special moment for British F1 in general. It was three Brits on the podium, with the best driver we've ever seen in P1. That's something pretty special.

With Haas struggling to make much of an impression in the midfield battle, having failed to score a point in the five races prior to F1's summer break, Bearman has not quite reached the same heights as he did in 2025, but continues to outperform veteran teammate Esteban Ocon. The Briton sits on 18 points to Ocon's three at the season's halfway point.

He may be committed to Haas for now, but Bearman insists he won't "sit around" waiting for the Ferrari seat, or more importantly, the opportunity to fight for world titles. He said: "My goal remains to be a Ferrari driver one day.