Oliver Bearman, a promising talent within the Ferrari Academy, has been connected with the iconic Italian racing team for several years. After competing for Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bearman’s desire to excel and ultimately win with the Scuderia has only intensified, revealing his strong aspirations to race under the prancing horse emblem.
Last year, Bearman had a surprising introduction to Formula 1 with Ferrari when he stepped in to replace Carlos Sainz during a race weekend. His impressive seventh-place finish not only earned him recognition but also paved the way for his 2025 seat at Haas. Though still developing his skills with the American team, Bearman remains focused on advancing toward a future with Ferrari.
Bearman’s Unexpected Debut and Growing Ambitions
Bearman’s unexpected debut with Ferrari last year marked a significant turning point in his career. When Carlos Sainz was unable to participate at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bearman was called up to fill the gap, leading to a respectable performance that boosted his status in the Formula 1 community. This opportunity laid the foundation for his 2025 full-time role with Haas.
Reflecting on his ambitions during an interview with Autosport, Bearman expressed clear determination to race and win for Ferrari, stating,
“I feel I’ve got what it takes to drive for the team one day, but it’s up to me to prove it. 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.”
At just 20 years old, Bearman has already made three race starts in the 2024 season and is set to compete full-time for Haas in 2025 while continuing to refine his craft.
How Bearman Learned About His Mid-Season Ferrari Opportunity
Before joining Haas, Bearman’s first Formula 1 race announcement came unexpectedly, playing a crucial role in shaping his career trajectory. The experience of suddenly replacing Carlos Sainz presented both excitement and pressure for the young Briton.
He shared the story of how he was informed about the substitution during the Middle Eastern Grand Prix weekend on the High Performance podcast, revealing the chaos and emotions involved:
“Chris’s (Bearman’s manager) phone wasn’t working correctly, so I called Fred afterwards, and he broke the news to me. I think I panicked a bit because he was telling me to calm down and just to head to the track. It was crazy. I think he could tell the panic in my voice and how crazy I went.”
Currently, Bearman ranks 18th in the driver standings after 12 rounds of the 2025 season, continuing to gain valuable experience as he keeps his long-term goals in focus.
The Road Ahead for Bearman and Ferrari
Oliver Bearman’s journey highlights his steady progression through Formula 1’s competitive environment and how his time with Haas serves as essential preparation for an eventual promotion to Ferrari. His performances have proven he can compete at this level, and the support from Ferrari underscores their belief in his potential.
As Bearman hones his skills further in the American team, the racing world will watch closely to see if he can realize his ambition of securing a permanent spot at Ferrari and achieving victories with the legendary squad. His story is a testament to the patience and persistence required to reach the top in Formula 1.