During the Canadian GP weekend, Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman’s F1 future was confirmed. Reports claimed the 19-year-old had signed a contract with Haas for 2025 that would earn him around 300,000 GBP (~ $382,000) per year. After his impressive debut for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian GP, this was highly anticipated. But that report of him already having a secure contract has now been denied by an F1 journalist.

Replacing an ailing Carlos Sainz in Jeddah, Bearman drove the race of his life earlier this year. Scoring 6 points in one race, he surprisingly stands P13 in the drivers’ standings, ahead of eight current, under-contract drivers. After Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas exit, Bearman’s chances of securing that seat were nearly sealed. But the negotiations seem to be taking more time than anticipated.

“Contrary to recent reports, I’ve been told that Bearman hasn’t yet signed with Haas,” F1 journalist Jeppe H. Olesen said on X, adding, “But that talks are in an advanced stage and ongoing.” Though he contradicted Daily Mail’s report, he confirmed that a signing is imminent. “Word is that the contract is all but done. Only the final practical details need to be agreed before putting pen to paper.”

This development too seems far-fetched. During the Canadian GP, Haas boss Ayao Komatsu revealed “seriously considering” departing Alpine driver, Esteban Ocon. for that seat. But Komatsu’s Ocon decision wouldn’t go down well with former Haas Boss, Guenther Steiner.

Ex-Haas Boss Guenther Steiner’s prediction: Oliver Bearman can be the “new Max Verstappen“

Oliver Bearman is widely considered as Lewis Hamilton‘s successor when the 7-time champion leaves Ferrari. Interestingly, F1 expert Peter Windsor likened the young Briton’s driving style to that of George Russell. With him considered good enough to match both Mercedes drivers, a Red Bull comparison has come into the picture.

“I think Oliver Bearman is a good move for Haas,” Guenther Steiner said on the Red Flags podcast. “Bearman did well in the Ferrari, even if it was only one race, and I think he knows himself. It’s a little too early to say, ‘This is the now the new Max Verstappen.’ He could be it, but it’s also 50/50.”

If the F2 racer indeed finalizes with Haas, Esteban Ocon’s only option might be Audi, with Williams already showing their disinterest in him. This could be a good payback for his battle with Ocon in Jeddah. Furthermore, Haas is highly likely to have a Ferrari junior on board over an external hire. So it’s a question of when the American team will make the announcement, not if.