At just 19 years old, Oliver Bearman is one of the youngest drivers to prove himself in Formula 1. The Brit, born in 2005 in Chelmsford, was just a baby when Fernando Alonso claimed his first world title in the premier class. Yet, Bearman is not the youngest driver on the grid in 2025, as Mercedes is giving his PREMA teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli (18) a chance.
Bearman made his debut in single-seaters in 2020 and immediately showcased his talent in the German and Italian Formula 4. A year later, he crowned himself champion in both championships, which put him on Ferrari’s radar. The Italian racing team included him in the Ferrari Driver Academy, after which he made the switch to Formula 3 in 2022. There, he impressively finished third in the championship. In 2023, he was promoted to Formula 2 with PREMA, where he achieved four victories and finished sixth in the standings.
Historic F1 Debut
In early 2024, Bearman was given the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level. During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he replaced Carlos Sainz at the last minute, who was suffering from appendicitis. With his debut, Bearman immediately made history: he became the youngest Ferrari driver ever and the first debutant for the Scuderia since Arturo Merzario in 1972. Despite the challenging street circuit, Bearman held his own and drove to an impressive seventh place in his debut race, firmly establishing his name as one of the greatest talents of his generation.
Just before the summer break of 2024, it became clear that Oliver Bearman had made an impression at Haas. His strong stand-in performance earlier in the season at Ferrari had convinced the team of his talent. As a result, it was confirmed that the young Brit would have a permanent seat at the American team in 2025, securing his place on the Formula 1 grid.
Later in the season, the young Brit was given another chance to show that he belongs in the premier class. This time, he was allowed to step in at Haas as a replacement for Kevin Magnussen, who had to miss a race due to a suspension for too many penalty points on his license. Bearman seized the opportunity with both hands and drove a solid race, once again impressing with his mature driving style. With a tenth place, he scored an important point for Haas. Next season, Oliver Bearman will drive alongside Esteban Ocon, who is moving from Alpine to the American F1 team.
