Here's the thing about the Formula 1 driver market: even when a deal feels obvious, the paperwork takes its sweet time. Ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, Ollie Bearman has pulled back the curtain slightly on his situation, confirming that staying put is the clear objective. The Briton is currently reaching the end of his second season with the American outfit and sits P13 in the drivers' standings, holding a 16 point advantage over Esteban Ocon.
Speaking during Thursday's media day at the circuit where he previously secured his best finish in F1 with a fourth place, Bearman made his intentions entirely unambiguous. "I think it's very clear I want to continue with Haas and that's definitely my goal," he stated, noting that minor details are currently being ironed out behind the scenes. When pressed on a timeline for an official confirmation, the driver admitted the delay is out of his hands, adding that the matter involves larger picture items currently being worked on.
Meanwhile, the wider team lineup is already shifting. Earlier this month, Haas confirmed that Esteban Ocon will be replaced by Ferrari junior and current Formula 2 points leader Rafael Camara, with the Brazilian anticipated to partner Bearman. That leaves Ocon searching for a new home on the grid, with the second seat at Cadillac alongside Sergio Perez emerging as a possible option.
Ocon addressed the rumors in Mexico while confirming that discussions with multiple parties are ongoing to keep his career alive. "I'm not going to really comment on the discussions I've had with teams in general," Ocon said when questioned about the Cadillac links. "Of course, we are talking with a lot of people on the grid at the moment. I feel like I have unfinished business in F1. I'm still very young, I still have a lot of things to achieve and that's where I want to be in the future."
