'British talent is on Red Bull's radar as option to replace Verstappen'

Verstappen's switch from Red Bull Racing to McLaren became the hottest topic of the world of Formula 1 after the conclusion of the British Grand Prix.

Sky Sports' lead commentator, David Croft, has claimed that British youngster Bearman is also on Red Bull's radar. He added that the team's current principal, Laurent Mekies, knows the Haas driver well, having previously worked for Ferrari.

He said: "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.”

Martin Brundle added: "His route to the works Ferrari team has been cut off. At the same time, Haas, they’re the smallest team, and they’ve been struggling to develop that car and keep pace.

GPblog has previously learned that Bearman is set to stay as one of Haas' drivers next season. An agreement is not yet in place, but it is likely to happen. A new deal would need to be reached with Ferrari (again). The Scuderia previously loaned him out until the end of 2026.

With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc under contract, Ferrari currently has no open seats for the talent.

"I have what it takes [to drive for Ferrari]," Bearman previously answered this website question.

"And also seeing someone like Kimi and even Isack, my age, my generation performing at the front is kind of validating myself because I've raced with them in F4, F3, F2. But I’m not disappointed or sad [that I won’t be driving for Ferrari in ’27]. It's part of my journey. I'm very much enjoying what I'm doing with Haas. I wouldn't see staying with Haas in 2027 as a bad thing. I think it's a great opportunity. The team is on a fantastic trajectory, and I'm very much enjoying the journey that we're all together," he added.

Max Verstappen's switch to McLaren is not entirely ruled out, but it does not appear likely in the short term. The odds are greater that the Dutchman will stay with Red Bull Racing, or (temporarily) put his Formula 1 career on hold after this season, GPblog understands after numerous conversations.