Bearman on Red Bull rumours: 'It's quite flattering to hear things like that'

Earlier this week, Sky Sports commentator David Croft suggested Bearman has emerged as a potential option for Red Bull. He argued that Laurent Mekies' longstanding relationship with the Briton, dating back to his move into Ferrari's junior programme, could work in the driver's favour if his path to a Ferrari race seat remains blocked.

"Over your shoulder is the Red Bull hospitality unit. Laurent Mekies, the team principal, was the man that signed Ollie Bearman to the Ferrari Academy. I know Red Bull are keeping very close tabs on Ollie Bearman. If he hasn’t got a way into the Scuderia, that might be a very good option for Red Bull and for Ollie,” he said.

Speaking to GPBlog among other media at Spa, the Haas driver admitted it was flattering to be linked with a team as successful as Red Bull, even if the speculation was based purely on rumours. However, he stressed that his full focus remains on Haas and dismissed the reports as nothing more than speculation.

Asked by GPBlog whether he sees his long-term future as being more likely with Ferrari than Red Bull, Bearman acknowledged that Ferrari had backed him from the very beginning of his Formula 3 career and played a decisive role in getting him to Formula 1. While expressing hope that his path would eventually lead to the Italian team, he stressed that his current focus remains on Haas, adding that delivering strong performances now is the best way to create opportunities for the future.

The Brit finally added: "At the moment I don't have a contract for next year. Just waiting in the dark."