Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 with Red Bull in recent years and ex-Haas chief Guenther Steiner thinks Briton Oliver Bearman could reach similar heights in the future
British teenager Oliver Bearman is a strong contender for a Haas race seat next year (
Former Haas F1 chief Guenther Steiner thinks British racing star Oliver Bearman has a “50/50” chance of becoming the next Max Verstappen.
Bearman, 19, enjoys a burgeoning reputation in Formula 1 having made a successful surprise debut earlier this year. The Ferrari junior driver was called in to replace the unwell Carlos Sainz in Jeddah and beat the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris to finish seventh.
He is competing in Formula 2 this year and has already completed one F1 practice session for Ferrari’s customer team Haas. Five more are to come this season and the teenager is the hot favourite to land a seat with the American squad next term.
Former Haas boss Steiner has sung Bearman’s praises before, having been impressed by the Briton’s work for the team when he was still in charge. Appearing on The Red Flags podcast, he shared his belief that the teenager has what it takes to achieve greatness in the future.
Steiner said: “I think Oliver Bearman is a good move for Haas. 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.”
As for whether Bearman will line up for Haas next year, Steiner is hedging his bets and added: “You have no certainty that it will be him. I think there is a good waiting list. I would say that the two Alpine drivers are looking around, although I think their demands in terms of money are higher than what Haas can offer.”
Steiner’s successor Ayao Komatsu is also very aware of Bearman’s abilities. He sat down with Mirror Sport earlier this month to sing the Briton’s praises – even if he was reluctant to say Bearman is in pole position to land a race seat with his team next term.