Oliver Bearman, the rising star of motorsport, believes his impressive performance as Carlos Sainz’s replacement at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a key factor in securing a full-time seat at Haas for the 2025 Formula One season.
Ollie Bearman came to prominence with a surprise Formula One debut when Carlos Sainz missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with appendicitis. Now, after months of being heavily linked to Haas, Bearman has been announced as the Ferrari customer team F1 driver for 2025.
Bearman will be the third-youngest driver ever to compete in a Grand Prix, the first driver to make his F1 debut for Ferrari since Arturo Merzario in 1972, and the first Briton to race for the Scuderia since Eddie Irvine in Saudi Arabia in 1999.
An F1 debut has long been a matter of time for Bearman, who has impressed Haas in a series of test and FP1 outings over the past eight months and is widely regarded as one of the top talents of his generation on the junior single-seater ladder.
Born in 2005, Bearman came up through the British karting scene and international IAME competition, a less conventional route than the traditional WSK or CIK-FIA championships. His pivot to single-seaters came in the COVID-disrupted 2020 at the age of 15, where he won races in German F4 and Italian F4. He returned in 2021 to dominate both series, winning titles and earning a place in the Ferrari Driver Academy.
Bearman then moved to the F1-backed Formula 3 series with Prema, almost winning the championship at his first attempt. His promotion to Formula 2 saw an impressive, if inconsistent, first season, highlighted by a one-two finish at Baku. His free practice performances for Ferrari’s Haas team further solidified his potential, leading to a planned six-race programme in 2024 and his eventual promotion to F1.
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A long-awaited announcement
Bearman’s promotion to Haas has been the subject of speculation for months, culminating in the official announcement that he will join the US team for next season. This development means that Bearman will be making his full-time debut in the premier league, an opportunity he has been eagerly awaiting.
However, the announcement did not come as a surprise to everyone. Kevin Magnussen, the current Haas driver whose future in F1 remains uncertain, revealed that he had been expecting Bearman’s promotion for some time.
“I’ve known about it for four months. Pretty much exactly,” Magnussen revealed.
“I mean, it hasn’t been decided for four months, but I knew it was going to happen. So it’s not news to me…”
A standout performance in Saudi Arabia
Bearman’s defining moment came four months ago when he filled in for Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined with acute appendicitis. The young Briton seized the opportunity and delivered an outstanding performance in the SF-24. He qualified eleventh and finished seventh, scoring valuable points for Ferrari in a flawless race.
Reflecting on his performance, Bearman said, “I think Saudi showed what I can do and that rookies and people with little experience are not that far behind.”
His performance in Saudi Arabia was indeed a showcase of his potential, especially in a challenging Formula 2 season.
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Bearman: Jeddah main reason for rise
But Bearman attributes his rise to his performance in Jeddah.
“I still felt I could do a good job in free practice, but let’s just say I’m glad it happened in Saudi Arabia because I think it’s a big part of why I’m here now,” he said.
While Bearman had shown promise last year as the second best rookie in Formula 2, finishing sixth overall, this year’s campaign did not go as planned. The Prema driver struggled for speed and consistency, qualifying in the front two rows just once in the first eight races.
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A challenging second season in Formula 2
Bearman’s second season in Formula 2 was a difficult one. Despite his previous successes, he faced numerous challenges, including collisions at Bahrain, Melbourne and Silverstone, technical problems at Sakhir and the Red Bull Ring, and a crash at Monaco. A nightmare pit stop while leading at Imola compounded his problems.
His performance in the sprint race at Barcelona, where he finished a disappointing 21st, highlights the inconsistency he has faced.
“I feel like I’m racing at a higher level than ever before, and then I come to Barcelona and literally finish last,” lamented Bearman.
Bearman’s journey has been anything but smooth, but his resilience and determination have shone through. He admits that the Dallara chassis in Formula 2 has been particularly challenging, with the balance of the car changing unpredictably between sessions. This inconsistency has been a major hurdle for Bearman, who currently sits 13th in the drivers’ standings.
Adapting to F1
Despite these setbacks, Bearman remains optimistic about his future. He acknowledges the challenges he faced with the Dallara chassis in Formula 2, but felt more at ease during his free practice sessions with Haas. This experience has boosted his confidence for the transition to Formula 1.
“I feel like my F1 driving has carried a lot of weight,” he said.
Bearman’s comfort with the F1 cars during these sessions put him in a positive light at both Ferrari and Haas. His ability to adapt quickly to the increased demands of F1 machinery was noted by his teams, further justifying Haas’ decision to promote him.
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Haas deal came ‘at the right time’
Bearman’s lone podium finish in 2024, a win in the sprint race in Austria, was a much-needed highlight in an otherwise difficult season. Coming just days before he signed with Haas, it marked a turning point for both his F1 prospects and the morale of his current team.
“I don’t think it could have come at a better time, to be honest,” he reflected.
His victory in Austria was a rare moment of triumph in the midst of a season of struggles, and it provided a crucial morale boost for Bearman and his team. The timing of this success was particularly fortuitous as it coincided with Haas’ decision to secure Bearman’s services for the 2025 season.
Despite the challenges he faced in Formula 2, Bearman’s potential was clear to those who mattered. His consistent performance in F1 practice and his ability to perform under pressure were key factors in Haas’ decision.
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Bearman’s vision for the future
Looking to the future, Bearman would like to follow in the footsteps of Charles Leclerc and secure a move to Scuderia Ferrari.
“I hope so! That would be a dream. It’s not really out of my hands, I guess. I can only do my best,” he concluded.
Bearman’s dream of joining Ferrari reflects his ambition and determination. His journey from karting to Formula One has been one of perseverance and resilience, qualities that will serve him well in his new challenge with Haas.
The young man’s journey has been one of rapid ascent, marked by significant achievements and remarkable performances. From his early days in karting to his impressive debut in Formula One, Bearman has consistently demonstrated his talent and potential.
The road ahead with Haas
As Bearman prepares to take on his new role at Haas, the motorsport world will be watching closely. His debut season in Formula One will be a crucial test of his ability and potential to become one of the sport’s leading drivers.
Bearman’s journey to Formula 1 has been one of perseverance and resilience. As he prepares to take on this new challenge, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see how this young talent continues to develop and make his mark on the premier league.
Bearman’s story is one of seizing opportunities and making the most of them. His performance in Saudi Arabia was a defining moment in his career, showcasing his talent and potential to a global audience. That performance, combined with his resilience in the face of adversity, has set the stage for his full-time Formula One debut.
By joining Haas, Bearman will have the opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage in motorsport. His journey from karting to Formula 1 has been remarkable and his future looks bright. With the support of his team and his determination to succeed, Bearman is poised to make a significant impact in the world of Formula One.
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