For many rookie drivers, the thrill of racing against their Formula 1 idols is a special moment. However, for Haas driver Oliver Bearman, that excitement seems to have worn off already!
In 2024, Bearman competed in three Grand Prix as a reserve driver for both Haas and Ferrari. Throughout the season, he frequently found himself racing alongside one driver in particular: Lewis Hamilton.
At just 19 years old, Bearman is set to start his first full-time Formula 1 season with Haas in 2025. But in 2024, the British driver made three Grand Prix appearances, including an unexpected debut at the second race of the season. Bearman had initially joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022 with hopes of one day racing for a Ferrari-powered team. But he likely didn’t expect his first Formula 1 start to happen while he was still contracted to Prema in Formula 2.
That opportunity came when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was sidelined with appendicitis and required surgery. Bearman was called up to replace him, making him the youngest driver to race for Ferrari. He finished an impressive seventh in that race.
Later in 2024, Bearman was called into action again, this time by Haas. In Azerbaijan, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was banned from the race due to too many penalty points, and in Sao Paulo, Magnussen withdrew due to illness. Bearman secured finishes of 10th and 12th in those races, further showcasing his abilities.
While Bearman has had the chance to race against some of his childhood heroes, one of them seems to have become a bit too familiar.
Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Bearman was asked about the experienced drivers he was most excited to race in 2025. He first mentioned reigning world champion Max Verstappen, saying, “If I can get near to him this year, then it means the car is pretty quick. So that would be a good sign.”
However, it was the drivers Bearman had watched growing up that excited him the most. “I grew up watching Fernando [Alonso] and Lewis [Hamilton],” he said. “Now to share the track with them is a very special feeling.”
Despite the excitement, Bearman admitted that racing against one of these icons had already become repetitive. “I got to race Lewis pretty much every race I did last year for some reason. We always ended together,” Bearman laughed. “So I’ve had enough of racing Lewis!”
Looking ahead to 2025, Haas enters the new season with a sense of stability and potential after Ayao Komatsu took control of the team. With a fresh driver lineup, the season brings both new opportunities and challenges for Bearman and Haas.
