What's behind "absolute nonsense" Oliver Bearman contract rumours

Formula 1's driver-contract season was thought to be long over, but a bizarre claim about one of the few remaining out-of-contract drivers has gained surprising traction in the run-up to the Mexico Grand Prix weekend.

The Haas F1 team has already announced Esteban Ocon's exit in favour of Formula 2 frontrunner Rafael Camara next season, but an apparent delay in confirming Oliver Bearman for 2027 has prompted speculation to fill the vacuum. Among the more outlandish claims has been that Bearman's management is demanding a fee of €6million.