Oliver Bearman’s promotion to the Haas Formula 1 team for the 2025 season has had an unexpected positive impact on his family, particularly in preserving his younger brother’s motorsport ambitions. The achievement not only marks a key milestone in Oliver’s career but also provided the financial means to continue supporting his brother Thomas’s progression in racing.
David Bearman, Oliver’s father and an insurance executive, reflected on how the 20-year-old driver’s elevation to Formula 1 eased the considerable costs associated with funding two young racing careers. Speaking to Autosport.com, he revealed the delicate balance his family faced:
“If Ollie had stayed in F2, I couldn’t have funded both. But it all worked out.”
—David Bearman, Father and Guardian of the Bearman Brothers
Oliver Bearman, who hails from Chelmsford, had shown strong performances through the junior formula ranks but seemed unlikely to secure an F1 seat for 2025 until an unforeseen opportunity arose. During the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz underwent emergency appendicitis surgery, prompting the team to urgently call on Oliver to substitute for the Spanish driver.
This unexpected debut at the Jeddah circuit ended on a high note, with Oliver finishing seventh. His impressive performance caught the attention of multiple teams looking for drivers for the next season. Soon after, he signed with Haas F1 Team during the mid-season break, solidifying his place on the 2025 grid.
The financial and professional boost from Oliver’s advancement has since allowed Thomas Bearman to secure a seat in the European Formula 4 championship, an important step in his own racing career. The family’s shared passion was visible as Oliver was seen supporting Thomas during the British Grand Prix weekend, emphasizing their close bond and mutual ambitions.
Oliver’s Aspirations to Race for Ferrari Highlighted
While David Bearman remains proud and relieved by his son’s progress, Oliver Bearman continues to set his sights higher. He has openly spoken about his dream to race for Scuderia Ferrari, the iconic Italian team that has played a significant role in his development.
Oliver, currently a member of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, expressed strong motivation fueled by Ferrari’s ongoing support throughout his journey. He said:
“I’m sure Ferrari believes in me – they’ve supported me this far and gave me the chance I have now. That’s what gets me out of bed every morning. I want to race in red. I want to win in red. That’s my main motivation.”
—Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Driver and Ferrari Academy Member
Having tested Ferrari’s cars on previous occasions and graduated from notable teams like Prema Racing, Oliver’s ambitions now center on translating those experiences into success at the highest level of motorsport. Whether this will lead to a future seat with Ferrari remains to be seen, but his commitment and current trajectory keep that possibility alive.
Oliver Bearman’s F1 Haas promotion not only marks a personal and professional breakthrough but also underscores the financial and emotional dynamics that motorsport families often navigate. The impact of his career advancement is already apparent in how it has enabled his brother Thomas to advance, suggesting the potential for the Bearman family to continue making waves in racing for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 can be used. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the permanent number system was introduced in 2014. While some cultures see 13 as unlucky, Formula 1 lets drivers make their own choice.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver born in 1985. He currently races in Formula One for the Mercedes team and previously drove for McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences with ADHD and explores his various interests and hobbies.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. Right now, drivers can choose a racing number between 0, 2, and 99 for their career. Only the World Champion is permitted to use the number 1.
A number can’t be chosen again unless the driver has been absent from the sport for two seasons. However, this rule does not apply to the number 1.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, also known as Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, was born in 1985 and is a British Formula One driver. He races for Mercedes, but he has also driven for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his varied interests and hobbies.