The world of Formula 1 is abuzz with excitement as 19-year-old British racing prodigy Ollie Bearman has clinched a coveted spot on the grid for the 2025 season. Haas F1 team has announced a multi-year agreement with the Ferrari junior driver, marking a significant milestone in Bearman’s meteoric rise through the motorsport ranks.
Bearman’s ascent to Formula 1 comes as no surprise to those who have followed his career closely. The young driver has been turning heads in the Formula 2 championship, where he currently competes with PREMA Racing. His talent was further showcased when he clinched his fourth career F2 victory and first of the season in the Sprint Race in Austria last weekend.
However, it was Bearman’s unexpected Formula 1 debut earlier this year that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. When Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz fell ill just before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bearman was called upon as a last-minute replacement. Despite the pressure, the rookie delivered a stellar performance, finishing seventh and scoring points on his debut – a feat that impressed both fans and F1 insiders alike.
Bearman’s journey to F1 has been carefully nurtured by the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, which has supported him since his Formula 4 days. In addition to his F2 commitments, Bearman has been serving as a reserve driver for both Haas and Ferrari in the current F1 season. His role with Haas includes six FP1 (Free Practice 1) appearances, with his third outing scheduled for this weekend at Silverstone.
Expressing his elation at securing the F1 seat, Bearman said, “It’s hard to put into words just how much this means to me. To say out loud that I will be a Formula 1 driver for Haas F1 Team makes me so immensely proud.” He went on to thank the team management and the Ferrari Driver Academy for their belief in his abilities and for preparing him for this monumental opportunity.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu shared in the excitement, stating, “It’s an exciting thing to be able to give a young driver as talented as Oliver Bearman his first full-time seat in Formula 1.” Komatsu’s comments underscore the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and their confidence in Bearman’s potential to make a significant impact in the sport.
The announcement of Bearman’s signing comes amidst a period of transition for the Haas team. With current driver Nico Hulkenberg set to join Sauber/Audi next year and Kevin Magnussen’s contract expiring at the end of 2024, there is still one seat up for grabs at Haas for the 2025 season.
Speculation is rife about who might fill the second Haas seat. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon is rumoured to be a leading contender, while Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas is also believed to be under consideration. Meanwhile, Magnussen could potentially retain his seat if he can consistently deliver strong performances, such as his impressive eighth-place finish in Austria.
Bearman’s signing represents a significant coup for Haas, a team that has often struggled to compete with the sport’s front-runners. By securing a driver of Bearman’s calibre and potential, Haas is sending a clear message about its ambitions for the future.