In an exciting development for British motorsport fans, Oliver Bearman will join the Formula 1 grid next season as a driver for the US-based Haas team. The 19-year-old has inked a “multi-year contract” with Haas, becoming the fourth British driver set to compete in 2024.
Bearman made a notable impact earlier this year, finishing seventh on his F1 debut for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Reflecting on his new role, Bearman expressed his immense pride, saying, “It’s hard to put into words just how much this means to me. To say out loud that I will be an F1 driver for Haas makes me so immensely proud. Being one of the few people to realize their childhood dream is truly incredible.”
Bearman’s recent achievements include securing his maiden Formula 2 victory in Austria, highlighting his rapid rise in the motorsport world. His impressive performance in Jeddah, where he substituted for Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined with appendicitis, showcased his talent. Despite limited practice, Bearman qualified 11th and finished the race in seventh place.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed his enthusiasm for Bearman joining the team. “It’s an exciting opportunity to give a young driver as talented as Oliver Bearman his first full-time seat in Formula 1,” Komatsu said. “He’s developed into an incredibly mature driver under the guidance of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy. The world saw his potential when he competed at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the last minute.”
Bearman has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, and his progression to a full-time F1 seat is a testament to his skill and dedication. He will join fellow Britons Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris on the grid, making British drivers account for 20% of the lineup next season. Additionally, Alex Albon, who races under the Thai flag but holds dual Thai-British nationality, adds to the British representation.
“Oliver proved he was more than ready for the task, and we’ve seen that for ourselves, running him in the Haas cars in our first practice sessions over the past two seasons,” Komatsu added. “We’re looking forward to further developing him as a driver and reaping the benefits of his talent – both inside and outside of the car.”
Bearman’s entry into F1 marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, and fans eagerly await his performances with Haas in the upcoming season.
