Oliver Bearman

Oliver James Bearman (born 8 May 2005) is a British racing driver who competes in Formula One for Haas. Born in London and raised in Chelmsford, Bearman began competitive kart racing aged seven, winning several national and continental titles. Graduating to junior formulae in 2020, Bearman won his first title at the 2021 Italian F4 Championship, also winning the ADAC F4 Championship that year, both with Van Amersfoort. He then competed in FIA Formula 3 in 2022, finishing third in his rookie season with Prema. Bearman progressed to FIA Formula 2 in 2023, finishing sixth that year and winning several races across two seasons. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2022, Bearman was a reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas in 2024, substituting for Carlos Sainz Jr. in Saudi Arabia—making his Formula One debut aged 18—and for Kevin Magnussen in Azerbaijan and São Paulo, becoming the youngest-ever driver to compete for Ferrari at the former. Bearman joined Haas as a full-time driver in 2025 alongside Esteban Ocon. Bearman is contracted to remain at Haas until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Full Name:
Oliver James Bearman
Birthday:
8 May 2005
Birthplace:
Havering, London, England
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Gender:
Male
Primary Series:
Awards:
Henry Surtees Award (Win Year 2021)
Car Number:
87

Oliver Bearman Bio

Early Life and Background

Oliver James Bearman was born on May 8, 2005, in Havering, London, England. He grew up in Chelmsford, Essex, where he began competitive kart racing at the age of seven, quickly making a name for himself by winning several national and continental titles. Bearman attended King Edward VI Grammar School but left at the age of 16 to join the Ferrari Driver Academy in Modena, Italy, marking a significant step in his racing career.

Path to Formula One

Bearman’s journey in motorsports began with karting, where he competed in various championships, including the Trent Valley Kart Club and the Super 1 National Championships. In 2020, he transitioned to single-seater racing, debuting in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship and also participating in the Italian F4 series. His impressive performances in these junior formulae led to a successful 2021 season, where he won both the Italian F4 and ADAC F4 Championships with Van Amersfoort Racing. This success paved the way for his entry into FIA Formula 3 in 2022, where he finished third in his rookie season.

Oliver Bearman Career

Early Career (2020–2021)

Bearman made his single-seater debut in 2020, competing in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship. He secured his first victory at Hockenheim and finished seventh in the standings. In 2021, he switched to Van Amersfoort Racing, where he dominated the Italian F4 Championship, winning eleven races and securing the championship title. He also claimed the ADAC F4 title, becoming the first driver to win two successive Formula 4 titles in one year.

FIA Formula 3 Breakthrough (2022)

In 2022, Bearman joined Prema Racing in FIA Formula 3. He started the season strong, finishing second in the opening race in Bahrain, although he faced challenges throughout the season. He secured his first feature race podium at Silverstone and finished third in the championship standings with one win and eight podiums, showcasing his potential as a rising star in motorsports.

FIA Formula 2 Breakthrough (2023–2024)

Bearman progressed to FIA Formula 2 in 2023, driving for Prema Racing. He had a challenging start but quickly found his footing, claiming his first victory in Baku and finishing the season sixth in the drivers’ standings with four wins and five podiums. In 2024, he continued with Prema, facing ups and downs but managing to secure three wins and one fastest lap, finishing 12th in the standings.

Haas Era (2025–Present)

In 2025, Bearman joined Haas as a full-time driver, partnering with Esteban Ocon. His season began with challenges, including a crash in practice and a gearbox issue that affected his qualifying. However, he managed to score points at the Chinese Grand Prix and continued to show promise with consistent performances, including a notable fourth-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix. As of now, Bearman is contracted to remain with Haas until at least the end of the 2026 season.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Bearman is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic racecraft, showcasing strong overtaking skills and adaptability in various racing conditions. His experience in junior formulae has honed his ability to manage tire degradation and navigate race strategies effectively.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Bearman has achieved significant milestones early in his career, including winning multiple championships in Formula 4 and securing his first Formula 2 victories. His debut in Formula One at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix made him the youngest driver to compete for Ferrari, further solidifying his status as a promising talent in the sport.

Oliver Bearman Career Wins

Oliver Bearman has made a mark in various racing series, accumulating notable wins across his career.

Current Formula One Series Highlights

As of the end of the 2025 season, Bearman has participated in 25 races in Formula One, achieving a total of 48 career points. He made his debut at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he finished seventh and became the youngest driver to score points on debut.

Previous FIA Formula 2 Series Achievements

In FIA Formula 2, Bearman secured four wins and five podiums during his two seasons, demonstrating his competitiveness and skill in the series. His performances helped Prema Racing secure a strong position in the teams’ championship.

Oliver Bearman Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Oliver Bearman comes from a family with a passion for racing. He has a younger brother, Thomas Bearman, who is also involved in motorsports, indicating a family inclination towards racing.

Personal Life

Details about Bearman’s personal life remain private, focusing primarily on his racing career and achievements.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has been a year of growth for Oliver Bearman as he adapts to the challenges of being a full-time driver in Formula One with Haas. Despite a rocky start, he has shown resilience, scoring points in multiple races and achieving a fourth-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Bearman’s ability to learn from each race and improve his performance bodes well for his future in the sport, as he continues to build on his experience and establish himself as a competitive driver in the Formula One grid.