Not too long ago, Ollie Bearman's path to the top of F1 looked fairly straightforward, with the Ferrari academy driver seen as Lewis Hamilton's natural replacement at Maranello.

However, with four rounds of the 2026 season to go, Bearman's spot on the grid next season is not even confirmed, with contract negotiations at Haas having stalled.

Bearman's performance is not in question, and it would be a big shock if he were not to be with Haas on the grid next year.

However, a report from motorsport.com has claimed that the holdup in a new agreement relates to his representatives pressing Ferrari for guarantees that he has a pathway to a race seat with the Scuderia in 2028.

Last year, that looked a real possibility, with Hamilton struggling and no guarantee he would renew. However, Hamilton has been rejuvenated this year, and now says that he wants to stay in F1 into the 2030s.

Ollie Bearman reps 'in talks' with two F1 teams for 2028

With that said, Brazilian journalist Tiago Mendonca has claimed that Bearman's representatives are now in talks with two other F1 teams about a seat for 2028.

Per Mendonca, Bearman's reps have been in contact with Aston Martin and Cadillac about joining those teams at the end of next season, which he claims comes in light of Ferrari's refusal to secure Bearman a spot with them for 2028.

Not only does Bearman have Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for competition in that regard, but also Rafael Camara, another Ferrari junior star who could win F2 this year, and who has already confirmed his place in F1 with Haas next season.

Haas boss dismisses salary rumours

Another theory regarding Bearman has been that his salary demands have been the holdup, though Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu branded this 'nonsense' in Mexico.

Komatsu also confirmed Haas still want Bearman when speaking to Sky Sports F1 during first practice in Mexico City.

Asked on Sky Sports F1 if 'there was a danger' of him keeping Bearman to race alongside Camara next year, Komatsu replied: "Any danger that we might want him next year? Yeah, I think so. There's lots of danger that we want him next year. Yes."

Pressed on when Bearman's deal could be announced, Komatsu said: "Sorry, I cannot say this. It's just all on the contractual side. But honestly, I don't see any issues getting [it] done for sure.”