Oliver Bearman acknowledged that his performance in the 2024 Formula 2 season raised doubts about his chances of making it to Formula 1 before Haas confirmed his signing for 2025.
Prior to the British Grand Prix, Haas announced that Bearman has signed a long-term contract with the team and will make his Formula 1 debut next season.
The British driver had the opportunity to participate in two practice sessions with Haas last year and has already completed two more this season, with four additional sessions scheduled for the remaining races.
Bearman expressed optimism that his hard work during these opportunities over the past year would pay off and lead to his promotion to the top tier of motorsport.
“I have always believed that I have performed well in the free practice sessions,” Bearman said.
“Every time I have driven for Haas, including the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, I have always left the car feeling satisfied with my performance.
“I have showcased my abilities in a way that I am proud of, and that is very important to me.
“I knew that if I continued to perform at this level, I would have a good chance of securing an F1 seat. I am thrilled that it has now been confirmed.”
Bearman revealed that discussions about his move to Haas in 2025 had been ongoing, but he remained cautious until the contract was signed.
“To be honest, I didn’t allow myself to believe it until it was officially confirmed after the Red Bull Ring race on Sunday. In Formula 1, nothing is official until you put pen to paper.
“We had been working towards this for a while, and it seemed like we were close to an agreement.
“But in this fast-paced world of Formula 1, you can never celebrate too early. Your position is only as good as your last race.
“When it was finally confirmed, I felt a sense of relief and shared that emotional moment with my manager, who has supported me throughout this journey.”
Bearman made his unexpected Formula 1 debut in Saudi Arabia in March, filling in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who was unable to compete due to appendicitis. As Ferrari’s reserve driver, Bearman performed admirably, surpassing both Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton to secure seventh place. However, despite this achievement, Bearman admitted that his lackluster performance in his second year in Formula 2 had led to doubts creeping in.
“I believe that my time in F1 carried significant weight,” Bearman confessed. “Not only the race in Saudi Arabia, but also during my practice sessions and testing, things were going quite well. This held more significance for me and those who mattered.”
Nevertheless, Bearman acknowledged the difficulties he faced in Formula 2, which left him with lingering uncertainties. Reflecting on the importance of the race in Jeddah, Bearman stated, “I consider my performance in Saudi Arabia as the pivotal moment that opened the door to F1 for me. Without that opportunity, especially considering the current circumstances, it would have been extremely challenging. It truly gave me a confidence boost.”
With his future in F1 secured, Bearman expressed relief, as it alleviates the mounting pressure he felt while trying to revive his Formula 2 campaign. “It’s incredible how far away my F1 debut feels now, but I am also glad to have everything sorted early. It takes a weight off my shoulders and eliminates any further stress,” he explained. “Now I can fully focus on Formula 2, especially since it is a crucial part of the season and my home race. That holds great significance.”
Bearman emphasized the need to prepare himself thoroughly for the upcoming races, both technically and physically. He acknowledged that Formula 1 involves additional aspects compared to Formula 2, such as car setup, which he must learn and adapt to.
