
Haas chief Komatsu says losing Bearman to Ferrari would mean they’ve done their job
Oliver Bearman’s strong early 2026 results for Haas have revived talk of a Ferrari recall. Team principal Ayao Komatsu welcomes the prospect, seeing it as proof of Haas’s driver‑development success.
Oliver Bearman’s impressive start to 2026 with Haas – highlighted by top‑ten finishes in Australia and China – has reignited speculation that Ferrari will pull the 20‑year‑old back to Maranello. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledges the risk but frames a potential loss as validation of the team’s driver‑development work.
Why it matters
Bearman’s possible return would strengthen Ferrari’s driver lineup while confirming Haas’s reputation as a stepping‑stone for future stars. The situation also illustrates the delicate balance of Haas’s technical partnership with Ferrari, where on‑track success can quickly become a talent drain.
The details
- 2025 breakout: Beat race‑winner Esteban Ocon and finished fourth in Mexico City, putting him on the radar of several top teams.
- 2026 start: Scored points with a ninth place in Australia and an eighth in China, maintaining a steady upward trajectory.
- Suzuka incident: Suffered a high‑speed crash after an energy‑harvesting delta with Franco Colapinto’s Alpine; walked away uninjured and his market value remained unchanged.
- Technical link: Haas runs Ferrari power units and shares data, meaning Bearman is effectively on loan from the Scuderia.
- Komatsu’s stance: “If Ferrari wants him next year, that means we’ve done our job,” he said, emphasizing a focus on controllable factors.
What’s next
The upcoming races in Spain and Monaco will test whether Bearman can keep delivering points for Haas. Meanwhile, contract discussions between Ferrari and Haas are expected to intensify after the summer break. Regardless of the outcome, Haas will continue prioritising car performance and maximising its points haul while monitoring the driver market.