Haas’ Oliver Bearman: A 19-year-old rising star of F1

Oliver James Bearman (born May 8, 2005, London) is an emerging British racing talent currently making waves in the world of Formula 1 as a full-time driver for the Haas F1 Team. His rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks makes him one of the sport’s most promising young stars. Bearman’s journey began in karting at the young age of eight, where he demonstrated a natural aptitude for racing, winning multiple national and international karting championships, including the prestigious IAME Karting World Championship in 2020. At the age of 15, he made the transition to single-seater racing in 2020 and took off like a meteor. In a phenomenal 2021 season, Bearman achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Italian and ADAC Formula 4 Championships simultaneously. This historic double victory catapulted him to the international stage. He then caught the attention of the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy and joined them in 2022.

He continued his impressive form, finishing third in the FIA ​​Formula 3 Championship in 2022. The following year, he stepped up to the FIA ​​Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing, where he took four wins and finished sixth overall, further cementing his potential for Formula 1.

Bearman’s career turning point year

The 2024 season proved to be a turning point in Bearman’s career when he made an unexpected Formula 1 debut as a reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas, replacing Carlos Sainz Jr. at the start of the year. This surprise entry made him the youngest driver to race for Ferrari since 1961. His impressive performances as a stand-in driver paved the way for a full-time seat with the Haas F1 Team for the 2025 season, pairing him with Esteban Ocon. At just 19 years old, Oliver Bearman is set to make a significant impact on the Formula 1 grid, carrying the hopes and expectations of a new generation of racing enthusiasts.  His dedication to his sport, skill and rapid progress indicate a bright future at the pinnacle of motorsport.