Oliver Bearman’s rise toward Formula 1 has been marked by remarkable speed, early maturity, and a relentless drive to seize opportunities, especially within the Ferrari framework. In April 2023, just after an impressive Formula 2 weekend in Baku where he won both sprint and feature races, Bearman celebrated turning 18 in an unforgettable way that foreshadowed his future in F1.
Following his success in Baku, one of Bearman’s sponsors arranged a surprise: a Ferrari Roma was parked just outside their meeting, and the keys were handed to him with the words, “Happy birthday.” The gesture stunned Bearman, who immediately shared the news with his father, only to be reminded that real-world costs like insurance were part of the package.
Humble Beginnings and Family Sacrifices Cemented Bearman’s Motorsport Path
Bearman’s racing story started in 2011 with a second-hand kart gifted for Christmas, a modest beginning fueled by family determination and grounded realism. The family chose to compete primarily in the UK, as racing in Italy was costlier. Education remained a priority, with school absenteeism kept to a minimum.
His father, David, a club-level racer himself who drove a Porsche Boxster numbered 87—a tribute to the birthdays of Oliver and his younger brother Thomas—made significant sacrifices as Oliver’s talent became clear. David stopped racing to dedicate his resources entirely to supporting Oliver’s karting career.
That’s why you still see ‘87’ on the Haas today,
David explained.
I stopped racing. Every penny I had went into karting.
Oliver recalls how his racing passion ignited early:
My dad used to race, and my grandfather before him. It was just club racing, for fun. They didn’t have the budget – or probably the talent to go much further. I remember watching my dad race his Porsche when I was five or six, and I absolutely loved it. The sound, the smells, the whole thing. That’s when I fell in love with racing.
Pressure to Perform Immediately Became a Defining Strength
With limited financial room for error, Bearman and his family knew early on they couldn’t afford long learning curves. His father laid out clear expectations when Oliver moved from karting to Formula 4:
My dad was clear – we couldn’t afford to do two, three, four seasons. It was just too expensive. We even had to scale back on testing.
This immediate demand for results forged a driver who was quick to adapt and perform from the outset, delivering strong showings in F4, F3, and F2. However, even Bearman admits that no one anticipated how little notice he would receive before making his F1 race debut in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2023.
It was literally a few hours’ notice,
Bearman remembers with a smile.
But it was the biggest opportunity of my life. Things weren’t going great in F2 at the time, and suddenly I had the chance to show what I could do in a Ferrari F1 car.
Despite only having two days of prior experience in an F1 car, Bearman approached the challenge cautiously, aware of the stakes.
I was lucky to get that race. I’d only done two days in an F1 car before, so I was cautious – I didn’t want to mess it up. That held me back a bit, but I think I still showed about 50% of what I’m capable of. And that was enough to get me here. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be now if Jeddah hadn’t happened.
Securing a Full-Time Seat with Haas Marked a Milestone in His Career
Four months following his debut, Bearman received the long-anticipated confirmation that he would compete full-time with Haas in 2025. The announcement came shortly after the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, just before the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, making it a defining moment in his career.
It was after the Austria weekend, just before Silverstone – I think Monday or Tuesday. I was flying back to England and got the news: I’d be a Haas race driver for 2025. A full season. That was a really special moment.
While already confirmed for 2025, Bearman was called up unexpectedly to race for Haas in Baku and Interlagos late in the previous season, showcasing solid performances and matching expectations despite limited preparation.
In hindsight, I was a bit spoiled last year,
Bearman reflected.
I drove the Ferrari, scored points. Then I did the same with Haas in Baku. Even in Brazil I got into Q3 and fought in the top 10. I kind of took it for granted that I’d be in the points every time I got in the car.
However, the step up to a full season in 2024 brought a reality check amid fiercer competition and smaller margins.
But this year’s been a wake-up call. The margins are so tight – we’re not in a position to fight for points every weekend. I’ve had to reset my expectations to avoid getting frustrated. There were races where I felt I drove well, weekends I was proud of my performance, but it’s hard to feel satisfied when you see your name in P12 or P15.
Bearman remains determined to keep perspective, focusing on consistent improvement rather than results alone.
Last year’s points came quite easily, and that shaped expectations a bit. This year we’re struggling more than we thought. Scoring consistently is tough, but I’m super motivated. Keeping the right mindset and staying positive is really important.
Early Connection with Ferrari Fueled the Dream to Race and Win in Red
Bearman’s relationship with Ferrari dates back to his teenage years, rooted in the team’s driver academy which first invited him to test at Fiorano after he won the Italian F4 title.
After I won the Italian F4 title, Ferrari’s driver academy invited me for a test in Fiorano,
he says.
I remember walking into Laurent Mekies’ office – he was the team’s sporting director at the time. I was 15, sitting across from someone I’d seen on TV. I knew I had to convince them I was worth the investment. I think my hands were shaking.
The test track held deeper significance for Bearman, having watched F1 greats such as Alonso, Schumacher, Vettel, and Leclerc at Fiorano during his childhood.
Two years later, I did my first F1 test. That’s a day I’ll never forget. Wearing that red suit… you can’t describe what that feels like. It made me proud – and incredibly motivated to wear it again.
Between 2023 and 2024, Bearman lived in Modena and frequently commuted to Maranello to work on simulators, embodying the close connection between driver and team.
Although he currently focuses on racing with Haas, Bearman remains grounded in his Ferrari future:
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.
A Symbolic Gift Reflects the Personal Journey and Motivations
The Ferrari Roma Bearman received on his 18th birthday stands as a meaningful token of his journey with the brand and his racing career. While the car itself has stayed in the garage, it symbolizes a milestone achieved and the promise of what lies ahead.
The insurance? I pay for that now!
Family Support Remains a Backbone as Younger Brother Follows the Racing Path
David Bearman, while stepping back from active racing, continues to support his sons’ motorsport pursuits. Oliver’s advancement allowed the family to also back his younger brother Thomas in Formula 4, balancing ambitions and resources within a competitive environment.
If Ollie had stayed in F2, I couldn’t have funded both,
David explains. But it all worked out.
At Silverstone, the Bearman family was seen together supporting Thomas in a support series race, illustrating the shared passion and ambition within the family.
Oliver’s ability to perform immediately, honed through years of pressure to deliver results quickly, remains one of the most valuable qualities underpinning his rise in modern motorsport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the permanent numbering system started in 2014. Despite being seen as unlucky in some cultures, F1 lets drivers decide their own numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver for Mercedes and previously raced for McLaren. He openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his wide range of interests and hobbies.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can pick their personal, lasting numbers between 0 and 99, excluding 1. The World Drivers’ Champion can use No. 1 if they wish but it’s not mandatory.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, full name Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, was born in 1985. He is a British Formula One driver for Mercedes and has previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences living with ADHD and talks about his various hobbies and interests.