The Formula One landscape is abuzz with speculation about the future of Oliver Bearman, Ferrari’s promising young driver. At just 18 years of age, Bearman has already shown his potential by filling in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, putting in performances that have not only impressed but also sparked debate about his future at the pinnacle of motorsport. Currently, there appears to be a four-way tug-of-war for the Briton’s services, with Haas the frontrunners.

Oliver Bearman, who entered Formula One as a replacement for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for Ferrari, received an unexpected moral boost ahead of his debut race. Among the many messages of support and encouragement, a special one came from Sebastian Vettel, a figure Bearman has admired since his early days in motorsport.

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A special message from a role model

Bearman shared the significance of receiving well wishes from Vettel and expressed how much it meant to him as a long-time fan.

“My favourite message was from Sebastian Vettel. I’ve been a big fan of his since the early days,” the young Brit revealed.

This gesture from Vettel, who has a storied history with Ferrari, spending five seasons with the team and securing numerous victories, added an extra layer of inspiration for Bearman.

“I was always rooting for Seb until he retired. So to get a message from him was really special. Knowing he was watching us put a bit of pressure on me, but it was a nice pressure…”

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Appreciation from F1’s finest

The support didn’t stop with Vettel. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also contacted Bearman to pay tribute to his efforts and strong finish in his first Formula One race.

“He sent me a really nice message after the race, which I was very happy about. And Lewis also congratulated me on the race. It was a proud moment for me,” said Bearman, reflecting on the significance of such recognition from the sport’s leading figures.

Aside from the thrill of the race, Bearman was surprised by the extensive and demanding schedule that accompanies a Formula One race weekend. He noted the stark contrast with Formula 2, highlighting the extensive media commitments and technical preparations involved.

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“The thing that surprised me the most about a Formula 1 weekend was the amount of administrative work that goes into it – there’s so much media activity, so many more technical things than in Formula 2,” said Bearman.

Despite the race starting in the evening, Bearman’s day was filled with preparations from midday onwards, underlining the exhausting yet rewarding nature of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport.

“The days are very, very long and full of hard work. It was a surprise, but a happy one,” he said, acknowledging the dedication required to excel in Formula One.

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Gratitude for the Ferrari simulator

Bearman also expressed his gratitude for the accuracy of the Ferrari simulator, which played a crucial role in his rapid adaptation to the SF-24. The simulator’s precision allowed him to effectively familiarise himself with the car’s settings and processes, ensuring he was as prepared as possible for his unexpected debut on the Formula One stage.

As Bearman reflects on his whirlwind introduction to Formula One, the support of icons such as Sebastian Vettel, Stefano Domenicali and Lewis Hamilton, coupled with his own experiences and surprises during the race weekend, have undoubtedly shaped a memorable and impactful start to his career at the sport’s highest level.

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Teams that are chasing Ollie Bearman

Haas: the main contenders

American outfit Haas F1 Team have been closely linked with Bearman, particularly after he attended their 2023 training sessions. Feedback from the team has been overwhelmingly positive, with former team principal Guenther Steiner praising Bearman for his maturity and approach to racing.

“He was always in control. He never tried to do more than he could. I’d rather drive 98 per cent than 101′, I think he’s pretty good at that,” said Steiner in a joint interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de.

Steiner’s successor, Ayao Komatsu, echoed these sentiments after Bearman’s impressive outing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Komatsu confirmed that Bearman is “definitely” being considered for a seat in the 2025 line-up, signalling Haas’ keen interest in securing the young talent for their future endeavours.

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Other teams in the hunt

Haas isn’t the only team keeping an eye on Bearman. According to Andrew Benson, chief F1 writer for the BBC, Bearman’s stellar performance in Saudi Arabia is likely to have caught the eye of several teams in the F1 paddock. Benson described Haas as an “obvious candidate”, but also noted that Bearman’s skills and potential make him an attractive prospect for other teams, including Williams, Sauber and possibly even Alpine.

“After his performance in Saudi Arabia, some teams are likely to be interested in him, so Ferrari might as well go with Williams, Sauber or maybe even Alpine could make a deal.” said Benson,

Bearman’s seventh place in Jeddah was “nothing other than an expression of his great talent,” the journalist added. “It was an outstanding performance which was rightly seen as a sign that he is a potential future star.”

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Bearman’s dream and determination

For Bearman himself, the step up to F1 represents the realisation of a lifelong dream. Reflecting on his ambitions, Bearman acknowledged the importance of continuing to excel in Formula 2, where he competes for Prema Racing.

“It is a childhood dream that I would like to fulfil,” said Bearman, emphasising his commitment to performing at the highest level in Formula 2 in order to secure a coveted seat in Formula 1 next season.

As the F1 rumour mill continues to churn, the spotlight remains firmly on Oliver Bearman. His journey from back-up driver for Ferrari to a talent in demand by multiple teams is a testament to the dynamic nature of the sport and the opportunities available to those who prove themselves on the world’s most prestigious racing stage.

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