British drivers praise ‘phenomenal’ Oliver Bearman as they share views on F1’s newest signing

Ollie Bearman has been welcomed with open arms by Formula 1’s British contingent of drivers following the announcement that he will make his full-time debut in the sport at Haas next year.

Ferrari-backed Bearman impressed many in the paddock earlier this season when he stepped in for the unwell Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, almost reaching Q3 and then scoring points on race day.

The British racer, 19, currently competes in feeder series F2, placing sixth overall at the end of his rookie 2023 season with four race wins, and taking his first victory of an up-and-down 2024 campaign last time out in Austria.

A previous ADAC and Italian F4 champion, and third-place finisher in F3, Bearman has been backed by Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris to flourish as he makes the next step in his fledgling career.

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 4: Oliver Bearman of Great Britain and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team during — Bearman was all smiles after news of his Haas deal broke at Silverstone on Thursday

“He did a phenomenal job earlier on this year,” Hamilton said of Bearman’s showing at Jeddah. “He’s a bright young talent.

“I think it’s great that the UK is pumping out a lot of great, young, talented drivers. I would say Silverstone and the BRDC [British Racing Drivers’ Club] have been a part of that, because they do invest in... a lot of the sport’s younger and up-and-coming drivers.

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“I think it’s amazing for the sport. It takes the pressure off all of us [fellow British drivers]. At least hopefully one of the Brits will be up there.”

George Russell echoed his Mercedes team mate’s views as he said: “Clearly Ollie’s a great driver. It’s great to see four Brits on the grid, and I think it just goes to show the strength of British motorsport.

“I think when we raced in karting, the competition was so, so high, and I think that translates into next year; 20 per cent of the grid, obviously Alex [Albon] half-British as well, so it’s great to see him there and I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”

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Norris, meanwhile, commented: “I think he showed in Saudi how good of a job he can do, even under the pressure he was [under] to perform and get so much out of the car in his first weekend, so I’m excited to see him on the grid next year and look forward to racing him.”

Hamilton was later asked if he plans to take Bearman “under his wing” next year, given that the seven-time world champion will be joining the Ferrari team who have long supported the youngster’s motorsport journey.

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“No, I’ve not been asked to, and it’s not even been a thought,” he began. “I think he’s a sharp enough young lad.

“Naturally, as one of the older drivers here, my door is always open if anyone every has any questions, or any advice that’s needed.”