At just nineteen, Ollie Bearman is already being mentioned in the same breath as names like Fernando Alonso, and not without reason. The young Briton, who made his Formula 1 debut this season as a full-time driver, has combined talent, maturity, and relentless focus in equal measure.
When we caught up in the paddock, Bearman was relaxed and composed – the unmistakable demeanour of someone who knows that his learning curve is steep but also that he’s climbing it fast.
“There have been some really good moments – and some really difficult ones.”
When asked to evaluate his first full season in the sport, Bearman doesn’t sugarcoat it.
“There’s been some really good moments, and also some really difficult ones,” he admits. “On one side, I expected that because it’s my rookie season and I’m still learning. But definitely my goal for the second half of the season will be to improve on those weaker moments.”
That level-headed self-awareness has been one of Bearman’s trademarks since his junior categories. Every race, he says, has been a classroom, not only in terms of driving but also in understanding himself, the team, and the technical complexity of Formula 1.
“With every race, I’m learning more, understanding what I want from the car, what I want from the team. Operationally as well. It’s been really useful, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Coping with the spotlight
The step up to F1 brings not only more horsepower but also more pressure. Media attention, public scrutiny, and expectations from fans and insiders alike have multiplied.
“There’s certainly more media pressure, more eyes on you, and more stuff going on,” he says. “But that’s just part of going up to Formula 1. From Formula 3 to Formula 2 and every step, it gets busier – and that’s just part of it. I’ve grown up with pressure, and I’ve always been pretty good with it.”
The physical and mental demands have also increased dramatically.
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“Physically, the body takes a bigger toll – especially at circuits like this. I’m doing a lot more training now than I was back in Formula 2. Mentally, too, with so many eyes on us, you need to be prepared for every situation.”
On driving alongside Esteban Ocon
Bearman’s partnership with Esteban Ocon has been one of the most intriguing pairings of the season – a balance between youthful enthusiasm and seasoned experience.
“It’s very valuable,” he says. “I’ve gained a lot from him, especially in scenarios where experience makes a big difference, like when the weather is difficult or when we’re in new situations. In strategy meetings, too, he always brings a lot of knowledge. He’s very fast, and that’s where I’ve learned the most.”
His team principal, Ayao Komatsu, has publicly praised Bearman’s ability to “drive around issues,” even comparing him to Fernando Alonso – high praise for any driver, let alone a rookie.
“It’s very nice to hear these praises,” Bearman smiles. “Ayao works incredibly hard to get the team where they want to be. I’m glad he trusts me with the car, and I’m trying to show that I was the right choice.”
A young team, a mature perspective
Bearman seems genuinely appreciative of the Haas environment, which he describes as the “perfect place” to start a Formula 1 career.
“There are some areas where this team is lacking compared to a team like Ferrari, where I was last year – but that’s to be expected. It’s a very different scale of operation, and in F1 terms, they’re still a young team. But they’re always open to improvement, and I think it’s the perfect team to have my early years in.”
The comparison between his current and former teams is illuminating:
“It’s impressive how Haas can compete with 10% of the staff of a team like Ferrari. They’re very efficient with the resources they have, even though we’re split across multiple sites. And it’s also a nice change to work again with a British engineering group.”
Looking ahead
Despite his age, Bearman’s reflections on performance and mindset carry a maturity beyond his years.
“Sometimes my biggest strengths can also be a weakness,” he admits. “I can overthink and get stuck in details that don’t matter. I’m generally good at getting up to speed, but sometimes I push too fast, as I did in Australia, where I made a small mistake. Sometimes I need to rein myself in.”
When the talk turns to the 2026 regulations, he sounds like a driver already thinking strategically.
“I’m a bit disappointed that the cars aren’t going to be much lighter. I hoped for a bigger step in that direction. But hopefully it makes for good racing.”
Bearman has already tried the 2026 concept in the simulator, though he laughs at how fluid development still is.
“The car I’m driving there is probably quite different to the real one — but it’s an interesting idea of what’s coming.”
“Confidence is everything.”
Above all, what shines through is Bearman’s deep love for the craft.
“Driving these cars is incredible,” he says. “They’re so impressive in how they perform. When you have confidence, it’s amazing what you can do – and that’s what I’m aiming for, to have that confidence as often as possible.”
Calm, analytical, and ambitious, Ollie Bearman embodies the new generation of Formula 1: grounded but fearless, thoughtful yet hungry.
The flashes of brilliance we’ve already seen are unlikely to remain flashes for long.
