Formula 1 Sensation: Ollie Bearman Set to Join Haas in 2025
In an unexpected twist, Ferrari junior driver Ollie Bearman is making the leap to Formula 1, securing a full-time seat with the American team Haas starting in 2025.
The 19-year-old British sensation has taken the F1 world by storm. His impressive stint at Ferrari, subbing in for the unwell Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia, saw him debut brilliantly with a points-scoring seventh-place finish. Now, he’s on a fast track to wear Haas colors, having inked a multi-year deal with the team.
Ollie might only be 19, but his racing pedigree is undeniable. Currently competing in Formula 2 with PREMA, Bearman snagged his first win of the season and his fourth career victory just last weekend in Austria’s Sprint Race. Balancing his duties between F2 and his role as a reserve driver for both Haas and Ferrari this year, he’s also integrating real-time F1 experience by participating in six FP1 sessions with Haas, his third FP1 being at this weekend’s Silverstone Grand Prix.
Reflecting on this milestone, Bearman expressed his elation, stating, “To voice out loud that I will be a Formula 1 driver for Haas F1 Team fills me with immense pride. Achieving what I dreamt of as a child is beyond words. Thanks to Gene [Haas, team owner], Ayao [Komatsu, Haas Team Principal], and the entire Haas team for believing in me.”
Bearman's journey has been supported every step of the way by the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy. “I wouldn’t be here without you,” he acknowledged, extending his heartfelt gratitude to the academy for preparing him for this exceptional opportunity since his days in F4.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu echoed Bearman's sentiments, expressing excitement about bringing young talent into the team. “Oliver’s debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix proved his readiness for the task. We’re eager to further develop his immense talent both on and off the track,” Komatsu said. Bearman’s consistent performances in the Haas FP1 sessions over the last two seasons have solidified this decision.
With Haas veteran Nico Hulkenberg heading to Sauber/Audi next year and Kevin Magnussen’s contract ending in 2024, there’s still a hot seat up for grabs in the team. Among the contenders are Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas, with Magnussen also making a strong case for himself after a standout eighth-place finish in Austria.
The coming seasons are set to be electrifying with Bearman at Haas, promising fans and the F1 community a glimpse of Formula 1’s future. The transition of Oliver Bearman into a full-fledged F1 driver will be watched with bated breath, marking the start of a new chapter for both the young Briton and Haas F1 Team.