Young British racing talent Oliver Bearman has emerged as a compelling candidate for Ferrari's future after an exceptional run of form in his debut Formula 1 campaign.
The 20-year-old Essex driver has secured points in his past five races, including an impressive fourth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix.
His consistent performances have thrust him into conversations about Ferrari's driver lineup, particularly as the Italian team evaluates its options beyond the current season.
The Haas rookie's steady improvement has caught the attention of paddock observers and former drivers alike.
Oliver Bearman looks set to become Britain's next top F1 talent
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Colombian racing legend Juan Pablo Montoya recently suggested that Bearman's impressive rookie campaign has become a significant consideration in Ferrari's strategic planning.
The youngster's name now features prominently whenever discussions arise about potential changes to the Scuderia's driver pairing.
It comes amid rumours George Russell could be joining Ferrari amid his contract troubles with Mercedes, though he might have to take a backseat if Bearman is preferred in the near future.
Lewis Hamilton's inaugural campaign with Ferrari has descended into unprecedented disappointment, marking what could become the first season in his illustrious career without a podium celebration.
The seven-time world champion has openly acknowledged experiencing his most challenging year in the sport.
Lewis Hamilton has had a nightmare campaign with Ferrari
|REUTERS
His struggles reached a nadir at the Italian Grand Prix, where he established an unwanted Ferrari milestone for the longest run of races without securing a top-three finish.
The British driver's difficulties have persisted throughout the season, with his debut performance falling short of Bearman's impressive showing when the youngster deputised for Carlos Sainz in Jeddah last year.
With merely two races remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Hamilton faces the prospect of concluding his first Ferrari season without once spraying champagne from the podium.
This stark reality has inevitably prompted speculation about potential shifts in Ferrari's driver arrangements.
Speaking at the Qatar Grand Prix press conference, Bearman addressed speculation about his readiness for a top-tier seat with characteristic maturity.
"Well, you know, I'm in F1, and you have to back yourself," he stated. "So yes, I believe I'm ready, but I have to continue to prove that.
"It's not that I had five or six good races that suddenly everything changes.
George Russell has been linked with a move to Ferrari
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"We've gained a bit of car performance since then, so that 11th place turns into a 10th, a ninth, an eighth, and that's better received by everyone.
"I've definitely improved, particularly since the summer break. I found a really good rhythm and momentum."
Ferrari's academy product Bearman maintains strong connections to Maranello despite his current Haas contract extending through 2026.
With Charles Leclerc secured long-term and Hamilton's deal reportedly concluding after 2027, the timing for any potential promotion remains uncertain.
Montoya's assessment carries particular weight, as the former driver highlighted how Hamilton's challenging debut and Bearman's steady progress could influence Ferrari's thinking in ways that seemed improbable mere months ago.
The Italian team's management continues monitoring every aspect of Bearman's performances, from his racecraft to his composed media appearances