Oliver Bearman recently opened up about his unexpected feelings regarding his new contract with Haas for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
At just 19, Bearman is set to make his full-time debut in Formula 1 next season with Haas, a significant milestone for the young Ferrari junior. This announcement came as Haas prepares an all-new driver lineup, confirming that Kevin Magnussen will depart at the end of F1 2024. Despite this thrilling opportunity, Bearman admits his excitement hasn’t reached the levels that many anticipated.
Bearman’s reaction is rooted in his desire not to dwell on the announcement but rather to focus on the future. When asked ahead of the Hungarian GP about whether the news has truly sunk in, Bearman acknowledged, “Yes. I think my reaction is a bit less than maybe some people expect, you know, I’m not as happy as maybe I should be.” He sees the announcement as just the beginning of his journey, emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition from Formula 2 and maximizing the opportunity.
Reflecting on his experience, Bearman credits his performance in the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as crucial to securing his seat with Haas. His drive to seventh place there was a defining moment, putting him on the radar of F1 teams. Despite this, Bearman’s focus remains on the road ahead. He reiterated, “Of course, the race in Saudi probably put me where I am today, but I think my reaction is just… it’s not someone that wants to dwell on this announcement, it’s someone that wants to keep going forward and start to race because it’s still eight months away.”
Bearman and Haas are not wasting any time celebrating; instead, their eyes are set on the task at hand. With Haas currently holding seventh place in the F1 2024 Constructors’ Championship standings, they are keen on leveraging Bearman’s talent to climb higher next season. This attitude underscores Bearman’s drive and ambition, as he wants to start working without delay, “Let’s not focus on being happy and enjoying it, but let’s focus on making the step as seamless as possible and getting there.”
Oliver Bearman’s reserved excitement marks a unique approach as he prepares to step into the Formula 1 spotlight. His focus on future challenges rather than dwelling on announcements highlights a budding career with intent and purpose.
