Oliver Bearman is a British Formula 1 driver currently racing for Haas. Young, calm, and fast as hell, Bearman burst into the spotlight when he stepped in for Ferrari as a reserve — and didn’t just survive, but thrived. Now in his rookie season with Haas, he’s already proving he belongs, taking the fight to veteran teammate Esteban Ocon and showing flashes of the kind of talent teams build empires around.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Oliver James Bearman |
| Born | 8 May 2005, Chelmsford, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Current Team | Haas (2026–present) |
| Affiliation | Ferrari Driver Academy |
| F1 Debut | 2024, Saudi Arabian GP (Ferrari sub) |
| Junior Highlight | F4 Champion (2021), F2 race wins |
The Cub with a Roar
Bearman didn’t tiptoe into Formula 1 — he leapt. When Carlos Sainz fell ill in 2024, Bearman filled in last-minute for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia. No proper prep, no laps in the car, nothing. He qualified respectably, raced maturely, and finished P7 — in his F1 debut, in a Ferrari, with the whole world watching. From that point on, he wasn’t just a prospect — he was a problem for anyone not paying attention.
Now at Haas, he’s got a full-time seat, and early signs are hugely promising. He’s fast. Measured. Emotionally bulletproof. And while Esteban Ocon brings a decade of experience (and baggage), Bearman is already holding his own — and sometimes, outright beating him.
This isn’t a case of youthful hype. This is the real deal, forming in real time.
Career Timeline: Built, Not Bought
- Karting & Early Formulas
- Dominated UK and European karting.
- Won both the German and Italian F4 championships in 2021.
- Entered the Ferrari Driver Academy soon after.
- Dominated UK and European karting.
- F3 & F2 (2022–2024)
- Strong F3 season with PREMA in 2022.
- Moved to F2 in 2023, took multiple wins and poles.
- Always racy, always fast, occasionally wild — but visibly maturing.
- Strong F3 season with PREMA in 2022.
- Ferrari Sub Debut (2024)
- Called up to race in Saudi Arabia when Sainz was sidelined.
- Delivered a P7 finish and immediate fan/press attention.
- Became a future Ferrari option overnight.
- Called up to race in Saudi Arabia when Sainz was sidelined.
- Full-Time with Haas (2026– )
- Placed at Haas as part of the Ferrari ecosystem.
- Outpacing Ocon early, making smart calls, showing no signs of rookie nerves.
- The paddock is already whispering: this kid might be the one Ferrari’s been waiting for.
- Placed at Haas as part of the Ferrari ecosystem.
The Red Future?
Bearman is technically a Haas driver. But don’t be fooled — his heart beats in red. Ferrari is watching every session. If he continues to outqualify Ocon, make smart moves, and stay grounded, the call back to Maranello is only a matter of time.
And if that day comes — if Ferrari finally finds the talent they’ve been trying to grow for years — don’t expect Oliver to blink.
He didn’t blink in Jeddah. He’s not blinking now.
