FORMULA 1

Red Bull Eye Oliver Bearman as Potential Max Verstappen Replacement

July 12, 2026
Red Bull Eye Oliver Bearman as Potential Max Verstappen Replacement

Max Verstappen's future remains one of the biggest talking points in the Formula 1 paddock, with continued speculation over his next move fuelling discussions about potential changes to the Red Bull Racing driver line-up.
According to Sky Sports commentator David Croft, the Milton Keynes-based team is closely monitoring Oliver Bearman's progress and considers the British driver among the potential candidates to replace the four-time World Champion should Verstappen decide to leave the team.
Although Bearman is a graduate of the Ferrari Driver Academy, former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle believes his chances of securing a seat with the Scuderia are slim. In Brundle's view, the long-term commitments of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton leave little room for Bearman at Ferrari, making it increasingly important for the young Briton to explore alternative career opportunities.
Croft also noted that Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has known Bearman since their time together at Ferrari, suggesting that a move to the Milton Keynes outfit could prove to be a mutually beneficial option should a vacancy become available.

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