Key moment when Oliver Bearman impressed Ferrari staff during 2024 F1 championship
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Oliver Bearman's Rapid Rise in F1 Puts Him on Ferrari's Radar
Oliver Bearman has wasted no time making an impact in Formula 1, turning heads in just three Grand Prix starts during the 2024 season. The young Brit stepped in as a substitute for both Ferrari and Haas, marking his debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in place of an unwell Carlos Sainz.
Despite having minimal preparation, Oliver Bearman nearly secured a spot in Q3 and went on to finish an impressive seventh, ahead of established stars like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. This standout performance immediately put him in the spotlight as a driver to watch for the 2025 season.
His F1 journey continued when he replaced Kevin Magnussen at Haas for the Azerbaijan and São Paulo Grands Prix. In Baku, he once again delivered, scoring points and achieving a rare feat—becoming the first driver to earn points in his first two races with two different teams. His ability to adapt quickly and perform under pressure cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport.
With a multi-year contract secured at Haas alongside Esteban Ocon, Bearman is already preparing for his first full season in F1. Haas, now under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu, has been making strides, recently conducting their first-ever Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session in Jerez to aid in development.
Ferrari Takes Notice of Bearman's Qualifying Pace in São Paulo
Having joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in late 2021, Bearman has been steadily earning the trust of the Scuderia. His unexpected call-up to drive the SF-24 in Jeddah and subsequent stints with Haas showcased not just his raw talent, but his ability to handle high-pressure situations with little preparation.
Among his most impressive showings was his performance at the São Paulo Grand Prix. With just a single day to prepare, he faced relentless rain throughout the weekend at Interlagos—on a circuit he had never driven before, aside from laps in a video game. Despite the treacherous conditions, Oliver Bearman outqualified his far more experienced teammate, Nico Hülkenberg. While he ultimately finished 12th after spinning off in the race, his one-lap pace stood out.
Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner was critical of Oliver Bearman's struggles in the wet, but Ferrari and Haas took a different view. According to an ESPN report, both teams were particularly impressed by his consistency and ability to match—or even outperform—seasoned drivers in difficult circumstances.
Is Oliver Bearman's Path to Ferrari Already Set?
As Oliver Bearman gears up for his first full season with Haas, the anticipation around his future continues to grow. Fans are already excited about the "Bearcon" lineup at the American team, with Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon forming a duo that could help Haas build on their recent progress. After narrowly missing out on sixth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, the team is aiming for even greater success in 2025.
However, while his immediate focus is on Haas, Oliver Bearman's long-term trajectory appears to be pointing towards Ferrari. The Maranello squad currently boasts an all-star lineup in Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, but with Hamilton's contract expiring at the end of 2026 (with an option for another year), speculation is already mounting about Ferrari's next move.
Many believe it is only a matter of time before the Ferrari junior gets his chance in red. Commentator David Croft has suggested that the young Brit has the potential to excite fans in 2025, and a strong debut season at Haas could be the first step in securing his future with one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1.
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