Haas has emerged as a leading contender in the 2026 Formula 1 midfield, thanks in large part to the outstanding early-season performances of Oliver Bearman. The 20-year-old British driver has exceeded expectations, capturing the attention of analysts and betting markets alike.
Pre-season testing indicated that Haas might be poised for improvement, but even Team Principal Ayao Komatsu could not have anticipated Bearman’s rapid ascent. After the opening two rounds, Bearman sat an impressive fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, bolstered by a seventh-place finish in Australia and a remarkable fifth place in China—a result that was somewhat overshadowed by Kimi Antonelli’s maiden Grand Prix victory.
Bearman faced his first major setback in Japan, where he was knocked out during the initial qualifying session at Suzuka. Despite this, he fought his way back into contention for points before a significant crash ended his race. Fortunately, Bearman escaped serious injury, describing the incident as “a really scary moment.” Despite the setback, he remains seventh in the championship standings after three races.
With the F1 calendar now on pause until the Miami Grand Prix in May, there is speculation about whether Haas can maintain its momentum. While the team has missed opportunities to further capitalize on its early advantage, rivals have also lost valuable time to narrow the gap during the break.
Bearman has already proven his versatility and consistency across different circuits, with top-10 finishes at Baku and Zandvoort last season and a near-podium fourth place in Mexico. The betting markets reflect growing confidence in his abilities, with Bearman heavily favored to outscore his more experienced teammate Esteban Ocon, just as he did in 2025.
If Haas continues to deliver a competitive car, Bearman is well-positioned for regular points finishes and could continue to challenge the established top six teams throughout the season.
