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Oliver Bearman has asserted his confidence in his abilities as a Formula 1 driver, as he shapes up for a Haas seat for the 2025 season.
Bearman impressed for Ferrari during the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend (Image Credit: @olliebearman on Instagram)The 18-year-old will drive the Haas VF-24 around the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari for the first practice session of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, his first taste of F1 machinery since his stand-in performance at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Replacing an unwell Carlos Sainz at Scuderia Ferrari, Bearman adapted to F1 very quickly and scored points on his debut, crossing the line in a brilliant seventh position.
Along with his data gathering duties in FP1 on Friday, the British driver will also be competing for PREMA Racing in the Formula 2 Championship.
Following current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg’s announcement that he would be departing the American team for Sauber from next season, many believe that Bearman is the most likely candidate to replace the veteran German.
But does the youngster think he’s ready for a full-time seat? Speaking to media on Thursday at Imola, there appears to be no doubt in his mind. Bearman said: “I’ve never doubted my ability. Since the start I always knew I was good enough to fight.
“Whenever I jumped into a new category I was competitive straight away, so that’s never been in doubt for me. I have a lot of confidence in my ability.”
When asked about the rumours that he could replace Hulkenberg at Haas, the Briton added: “I see it as my chance, but just because there is a seat free, doesn’t mean I’m entitled to it.
“I still have to perform well and show that I’m ready to jump into F1 next year,” concluded Bearman.
Haas Team Principal heaps praise on Bearman
Ayao Komatsu, Haas Team Principal, has made it no secret that he is keeping a close eye on Bearman, and commended his maturity both inside and outside an F1 car which was evident during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.
Speaking to Mirror Sport, the Japanese engineer stated: “He’s done very well so far. What makes him special is that, clearly, he’s got speed, but it’s his understanding of the context.
“The maturity is really great and, in terms of his physical ability, of course he’s got it. He’s fast, but also able to think calmly after a lap or two laps about what he’s done. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Bearman will take part in a total of six FP1 sessions over the 2024 season. Komatsu will use these sessions to assess the teenager’s future with the team. He told media at Imola: “We’ve got six FP1 sessions, and that’s a golden opportunity for us to work with him and then assess how he is, where he is, what his strengths or weaknesses are, and see where we can develop him and work together if we want to.
“So it’s a pretty good job interview situation.”
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix commences Sunday May 19 at 14:00 BST (15:00 local time).
Feature Image Credit: @HaasF1Team on X