British driver welcomes Rafael Câmara’s arrival while reflecting on his future responsibilities at Haas
Oliver Bearman has expressed sadness over Esteban Ocon’s departure from Haas F1 while welcoming the arrival of Rafael Câmara for the 2027 season. Although his own place in the team has yet to be officially confirmed, the British driver has outlined how his responsibilities could change as he potentially becomes Haas’s most experienced driver.
Speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Bearman also reflected on his team’s prospects at the Circuit of the Americas, where Haas will contest its second home race of the season.
Bearman targets points despite Haas losing competitiveness
Bearman returns to Austin hoping to build on his strong performance at the same venue last year.
The British driver enjoyed a particularly encouraging race in 2025, despite having to learn the circuit during a Sprint weekend. This time, the traditional Grand Prix format will give him three hours of practice to familiarise himself with the conditions.
Austin remains a demanding circuit, particularly because of its uneven surface and the bumps that continue to evolve from year to year.
“Last year was a very good race, considering I was discovering the circuit and it was a Sprint weekend. It’s a fun track, and it’s a challenge with the bumps, which apparently change every year!” Bearman explained.
However, he acknowledged that Haas is not currently enjoying the same level of competitiveness as it was 12 months ago.
“I think we’re less competitive than we were at the same point last year, but we proved in Singapore that if everything goes well, we can finish in the points, and we’ll try to keep that going.”
Despite the team’s reduced competitiveness, Bearman remains enthusiastic about the opportunity to deliver another positive result in Austin.
“It’s sad to lose Esteban” as Haas prepares for 2027
With Rafael Câmara set to join Haas next season in place of Esteban Ocon, Bearman was asked about the team’s changing driver line-up.
Although Bearman himself has not yet been officially confirmed for 2027, his comments suggested he is already considering what his position within the team could look like next year.
“It’s good news for the team. It’s sad to lose Esteban. It’s a new beginning for the team and for me… potentially… I’d have a new role, and it’s good to have Rafa in the team as well.”
Bearman’s remarks reflected both his disappointment at losing Ocon as a teammate and his positive outlook on Câmara’s arrival.
The anticipated changes would also place greater responsibility on Bearman, particularly in areas where experience and technical understanding are important.
A potential leadership role in technical development
Should Bearman remain at Haas alongside Câmara in 2027, he would become the more experienced driver in the team’s line-up.
The Briton acknowledged that this could fundamentally change his responsibilities, with the team relying more heavily on his technical feedback and guidance regarding car development.
“Being the most experienced in the team, the team will come to me more for technical feedback and guidance on development.”
“But it’s a challenge to take on. I’ve also learned a lot from Esteban in that respect, and that was very positive.”
Bearman recognised the contribution Ocon has made to his development, particularly through the experience and knowledge the Frenchman brought to their working relationship.
Rather than viewing the prospect of increased responsibility negatively, Bearman described it as a new challenge he is prepared to embrace.
A strong relationship with Haas dating back to 2023
Although Bearman has been racing for Haas for only a year and a half, his association with the American outfit stretches back considerably further.
He first met members of the team in October 2023, establishing a relationship that has continued to develop.
“It will be a different challenge, and even though I’ve only been driving for the team for a year and a half, we’ve had a long and positive relationship.”
“I met everyone in October 2023, so we have a strong bond, and I’m looking forward to seeing what next year brings.”
That existing connection gives Bearman confidence as he considers the prospect of assuming a different position within the team.
Haas’s American identity adds significance to Austin
Beyond the discussions surrounding his future, Bearman also spoke about the importance of competing in the United States for Haas.
As the original American Formula 1 team, Haas has a particular connection to its home events, something Bearman believes makes racing in the country especially enjoyable.
“It’s good to be the original American team, and racing in this country is exciting for us.”
However, the British driver joked that the team’s international presence means the feeling of competing at home extends well beyond the American races.
“It’s funny, I feel like we have seven home races throughout the year!”
“There’s Silverstone, where I’m from, and the team is based there too, Italy, where the team also has people, and all the American races.”
For Bearman, the United States Grand Prix therefore represents another opportunity to deliver a positive result for Haas while the team prepares for changes to its driver line-up in 2027.
With Ocon departing and Câmara arriving, Bearman is looking ahead to the possibility of greater technical responsibilities, while remaining focused on helping Haas fight for points in Austin.
