Lewis Hamilton 'Very Excited' by Rising Ferrari Star Oliver Bearman's F1 Progress

Lewis Hamilton has expressed his admiration for Ferrari-backed F1 rookie Oliver Bearman, stating he is “very excited” about the young Brit’s future. Bearman has made significant strides in his debut season, catching the eye of the seven-time World Champion and many in the paddock.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's endorsement highlights the growing anticipation surrounding Oliver Bearman, who is increasingly seen as a future star for Ferrari. As Hamilton prepares for his own move to Ferrari, the emergence of a talented young driver like Bearman could signify a strategic shift for the Scuderia, potentially shaping their driver lineup for years to come. Bearman's strong performances with Haas, particularly his fourth-place finish in Mexico, demonstrate his potential to challenge established drivers, adding a fresh dynamic to the F1 grid.

The Details:

• Oliver Bearman joined Haas full-time for the 2025 F1 season after three impressive stand-in appearances with Ferrari and Haas.
• He has accumulated 40 points so far this season, outperforming his experienced teammate Esteban Ocon by 10 points.
• Bearman's breakthrough performance came in Mexico, where he secured a stunning fourth-place finish, narrowly missing a podium to Max Verstappen.
• Hamilton's Praise: Lewis Hamilton lauded Bearman's progress, calling him a “really nice lad” with a “great approach” and a “phenomenal job” in Mexico.
• Haas's Development: Hamilton also acknowledged Haas's significant development over the year, attributing part of Bearman's success to the team's improved car performance.
• Consistent Form: Bearman is on a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes, including a P6 at Interlagos.
• Baku Incident: Bearman downplayed a qualifying mistake in Baku, where he crashed out but recovered to twelfth, noting that half the grid also had incidents.
• Upgrade Impact: Haas introduced a substantial upgrade package for the VF-25 at the United States Grand Prix, which Bearman believes added “a tenth or two,” crucial for the tight midfield battle.
  • He also highlighted the significant improvement in the car's drivability thanks to the upgrade.
• Team Momentum: Bearman noted that Haas has been scoring points consistently since Singapore, performing strongly on various track types.

What's next:

While Bearman is excited for the remainder of the season, he anticipates a challenge at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix due to concerns about straight-line speed. Despite this, his recent performances have instilled confidence in both himself and the Haas team, proving they have every right to be optimistic for the final races. His continued strong form could solidify his position as a highly sought-after talent for future F1 seats, potentially even as a long-term option for Ferrari.