Oliver Bearman credits his brief stint driving for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as a key reason he secured a spot with Haas for the 2025 Formula 1 season, despite facing challenges in Formula 2 this year.
Recently announced as one of Haas’s new drivers, Bearman expressed that the decision had been anticipated for several months, with current driver Kevin Magnussen aware of the impending change.
Bearman’s opportunity arose when Carlos Sainz fell ill, allowing him to race for Ferrari at just 18 years old. He qualified eleventh and finished seventh, earning valuable points for Ferrari and demonstrating his capabilities on a big stage. According to Bearman, this performance was pivotal in securing his Haas seat.
“I think Saudi showed what I was capable of,” Bearman remarked at the British Grand Prix. “With my mixed results in F2 this year, Saudi played a significant role in why I’m here now.”
While Bearman had a strong rookie year in F2, finishing sixth overall, his 2024 season hasn’t gone as smoothly. He faced setbacks like withdrawing from races and struggling with technical issues and collisions, which impacted his performance and consistency.
Despite these challenges, Bearman remains optimistic and believes his experience with Haas during practice sessions has been beneficial.
“I find F1 a bit more compatible,” he noted, reflecting on his time with both Ferrari and Haas. “The F1 experience was crucial, although F2 remains challenging.”
Bearman’s recent highlight was winning the Austrian sprint race, a welcome achievement amid his tough season in F2. This victory not only boosted his morale but also lifted the spirits of his team.
“It came at a critical moment,” Bearman admitted. “The season has been tough, and this win helped motivate everyone.”
Looking ahead, Bearman aims to emulate Charles Leclerc’s rapid rise to success and hopes for a promotion to Ferrari in the near future.
“That would be a dream come true,” Bearman said. “I can only focus on giving my best performance and see where it takes me.”
