Bearman wants to take Haas higher before his Ferrari chance comes

Creating such a positive atmosphere has helped Bearman to flourish so far in Formula 1, but it has also ensured he feels a significant part of the Haas setup despite his status as a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy. To that end, his goals have not been to prove himself worthy of a full-time Ferrari seat someday – though that is an obvious target – but instead to move further forward with his current team.

“I'm not trying to impress anyone. I'm doing the best job that I can," he says. "I really have faith and belief in this team, and the progress that we've made in the last 15 months has been quite impressive and quite incredible, I must say. I'm really proud of what we've been able to achieve together so far.

“I also see a great trajectory for us in the rest of this season and in the future as well. My number one motivation is to get this team on the podium. That's my goal. I really believe that it's achievable as long as we continue to stay focused on the right things.

“I'm doing my absolute best and I know that they are as well upstairs. I'm having a lot of fun. We're making good progress and it doesn't really matter. I'm not trying to impress anyone. I'm trying to do the best job I can for myself and for the team as well.”

While content at Haas vs any other midfielder, Bearman admits an opportunity within F1's top-four teams would be a different story. James Sutton/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Bearman admits scoring a podium could be a medium-term goal rather than a more immediate one given the current competitive picture, but then points to last season’s improvements and close calls – particularly in Mexico City, where he finished fourth – as proof a chance could still come along this year.

Should it happen, it would likely be the final confirmation that Bearman is ready for a Ferrari seat, but a likely lack of availability in 2027 could well mean a third campaign with Haas for him. As far as Bearman is concerned, despite feeling a more complete driver who would be ready to take a chance at the Scuderia if offered, there’s no other alternative he’d rather race for.

“I would see staying with Haas next year as an absolute win," he insists. "I think it's unfinished business so far. I think together we feel like we want to achieve more and can achieve more.

“I have full trust in Ayao and the rest of the leadership team in the direction that they're taking. We're growing step by step in terms of personnel, which is also very important. I don't see myself anywhere else in terms of midfield team than Haas, because I think they have such a great potential.

“Of course, when you're talking about a top-four team, it's a different story and my heart is set on Ferrari, that's no doubt. Like I said, I wouldn't see staying with Haas in the future as a problem. I would see that as a fantastic opportunity to continue to learn and get the most out of it.

“I don't have a huge amount of freedom [over future moves], but I don't need it because even if I had the open choice, this team is where I want to be.”