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Ollie Bearman emerges as Verstappen’s closest rival: can he conquer F1’s instability challenge?

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 9, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Ollie Bearman emerges as Verstappen’s closest rival: can he conquer F1’s instability challenge?

Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 4, 2025 Haas' Oliver Bearman looks dejected after retiring from the race REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Unleashing the Beast: Ollie Bearman’s Striking Parallels with Max Verstappen’s Fearless Driving Style

In the electrifying world of Formula 1, the quest for speed is a relentless pursuit, but what truly defines a driver’s velocity? Enter Ollie Bearman, the rising star who has been turning heads and drawing comparisons to F1’s elite, particularly the indomitable Max Verstappen. While Bearman may not yet match Verstappen’s extraordinary prowess, he is unearthing a rare ability that positions him closer to the four-time world champion than most of his peers: the uncanny knack for navigating rear-end instability with finesse.

Bearman’s exceptional skill set allows him to harness a robust front-end grip, enabling him to carry blistering speeds into corners—something many, including his Haas teammate Esteban Ocon, struggle to achieve. “That’s a fair assessment,” Bearman acknowledges when asked about his capacity to manage a loose rear end. “I prefer a more positive car that reacts sharply at the front, which generally allows me to extract more lap time.” However, this preference comes with its challenges. As the Haas VF-25 becomes increasingly finicky due to enhanced performance, Bearman has had to adjust his setup approach, especially in the face of dynamic wind conditions and traffic-induced unpredictability.

The young driver’s adaptability stands out, as his engineers are often taken aback by the level of instability he can handle at the rear. “That’s how you drive these cars and extract performance,” Bearman explains, emphasizing the necessity of flexibility in his driving technique. This is where the wisdom of Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu shines through, stating, “If the car’s 100% stable, you cannot turn—only go straight.” The balance between stability and speed is a delicate dance, and Bearman is managing it like a maestro.

Yet, what truly sets Bearman apart is not merely his ability to cope with instability but also his superior braking technique. As the stakes rose in the 2025 season, it became evident that Bearman’s late and forceful braking contrasted starkly with Ocon’s more cautious approach. Ocon’s complaints about brake issues—citing the need to brake significantly earlier to avoid lock-ups—highlighted the stark divergence in their driving styles. Komatsu noted that Bearman exploits the car’s downforce like a true artist, allowing him to dial down on the brakes sooner to navigate corners with precision.

The rookie’s first full season in F1 was a rollercoaster, marked by highs and lows. Early missteps included crashes and red flag violations, which hampered his performance. However, Bearman exhibited a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season, scoring points in six out of ten races and clinching an impressive fourth place in Mexico. This transformation is not merely a stroke of luck; it reflects Bearman’s evolving mindset and his capacity to learn from the mistakes that plague many newcomers.

“Adapting my approach to Formula 1 was crucial,” Bearman reflects. “In F2, you have to push the car to its limits almost immediately, but F1 requires a different strategy—an understanding that you have more laps and tires than ever before.” This newfound wisdom has allowed him to flourish, proving that his speed is not a mere flash in the pan but a harbinger of more consistent performances.

Bearman’s ambition knows no bounds. With a history at Ferrari dating back to 2021 and a stellar showing as a stand-in for Carlos Sainz, the whispers of a full-time seat at Ferrari are becoming deafening. Yet, the path to that coveted position is steep, demanding that he continues to enhance his skill set. “I’ve proven my pace, and while I don’t expect to be at my peak every weekend, I know what I need from the car and how to maximize my talent,” he asserts confidently.

As the 2026 season approaches, the stakes will rise even higher with the introduction of all-new cars. Bearman will face challenges not only from his competition but also from within, as he strives to maintain his trajectory of improvement amidst the pressures of F1. “If I can keep building on my performance without mistakes, the potential for growth is limitless,” he says.

In a sport where the difference between success and failure can be mere milliseconds, Bearman’s blend of talent, mindset, and relentless drive to improve positions him as a formidable force on the grid. With every turn and every lap, he inches closer to a future that could see him join the ranks of F1 legends. If his current trajectory continues, the roar of a Ferrari engine may soon accompany the name Ollie Bearman, a name that is destined to be etched in the annals of motorsport history. Buckle up—this is just the beginning.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-seasonaf-corse-ferrariesteban-oconsfranziska-haasmax-verstappen-enOllie Bearman
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