Ollie Bearman exudes a steely determination that has propelled him into Formula One at just 19 years old. As he prepares for his first full season with the Haas team, his singular focus on reaching the top has been unwavering. Leaving home in Essex at 16 to chase his dream, he made immense sacrifices, including losing touch with most of his friends. Yet for Bearman, the pursuit of F1 was worth every trade-off.
“There’s nothing that I wouldn’t have done to get to F1,” he admits. “If moving away earlier would have guaranteed me a seat, I would have done it without hesitation.”
Now standing on the brink of his debut season, Bearman carries himself with the quiet confidence that marks great drivers. His international lifestyle has even altered his accent to the point where people are surprised to learn he’s from Essex. Despite his youth, he already embodies the qualities seen in past champions like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen.
Always seeking to push his limits, he has taken up cycling since moving to Monaco. Training alongside three-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar, he embraces the challenge. “I try to go with people who are much better than me because it pushes me to work harder,” he explains. “I’m a competitive guy—I like to be good at everything I do.”
Bearman’s introduction to F1 was nothing short of spectacular. In 2024, he was thrust into the spotlight when Ferrari called on him to replace an unwell Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. With just one practice session before qualifying, he performed exceptionally, finishing seventh and holding off both Hamilton and Lando Norris in the closing stages. Hamilton made a point of congratulating him after the race—a moment Bearman describes as life-changing.
“I spoke to Lewis for one of the first times, and it was a special feeling,” he recalls. “I know that race played a big role in why I’m here today. It’s a moment I’ll tell my grandchildren about.”
Bearman’s racing journey began at age six, thanks to a Christmas gift a go-kart that ignited his passion. With the support of his parents, he rose through the ranks, joining the Ferrari Academy in 2022 and moving to Italy to further his development. Leaving home so young was tough, but visits home and family support kept him grounded.
His talent quickly became evident. After excelling in F3 and F2 with the Prema team, he impressed in additional Haas outings in 2024 when filling in for Kevin Magnussen. His former team principal noted how rapidly he adapted both on track and technically, developing with remarkable speed.
Now, as he embarks on his full-time F1 career, the expectations are high. Partnered with the experienced Esteban Ocon, he faces a tough midfield battle where consistency and control will be just as crucial as outright speed. Yet, Bearman remains unfazed.
“You always question whether you can perform at this level,” he acknowledges. “But I proved to myself straight away that I can, and confidence is something I don’t struggle with.”
With a mindset like this, Britain’s newest F1 star may just be at the start of a remarkable journey.
