During the opening of the 2026 Formula One season at the Australian Grand Prix, rising star Ollie Bearman shared his views on who stands as the greatest F1 driver. While Lewis Hamilton is often praised as one of the best, Bearman singled out Max Verstappen as the top driver, highlighting his personal admiration and experience racing alongside these elite competitors.
Insights from Bearman on Racing Against F1 Greats
Bearman, just 20 years old, is currently in his second season with Haas and is already competing against multiple world champions. In a conversation on the High Performance Podcast with Jake Humphrey before the Melbourne race, he reflected on the surreal feeling of racing closely with drivers he grew up watching. He recalled the Mexico City Grand Prix last year as a defining moment when he went wheel-to-wheel with Hamilton, Verstappen, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri.
“Max has been on TV since 2016, when I was 11. Every F1 race I can remember has Max in it and certainly Lewis as well. I’m racing with these guys side by side, I had Max behind me, I had goosebumps driving around, I was like ‘How cool is this, this is insane, this guy is the best F1 driver ever and he’s chasing me down,’”
Bearman said, expressing his awe at competing against Verstappen.
Pressure and Pride in Competing with Verstappen
Bearman described the intense pressure he felt, which fueled his drive during the race.
He’s putting me under so much pressure and I was like ‘This is what I’m living for, this is my life.’
Ollie Bearman, Haas F1 Driver
This intense moment coincided with Bearman’s impressive fourth-place finish in the race, a result that earned him the “driver of the day” honor and matched Haas’ best-ever placing in Formula One, equaling Romain Grosjean’s 2018 Austrian Grand Prix performance.
Reflections on Haas’ Performance and Team Ambitions
Following the race, Bearman expressed satisfaction with the team’s strategy and his own performance.
It was crazy. I’m so happy to take so many good points for the team, and we did a really fantastic job strategically, getting the car in the right window. It felt great underneath me, so a perfect job. It’s a feel-good moment. Also, to go side-by-side with Max is a very cool feeling. He’s someone I have basically grown up watching in Formula 1, so it’s awesome and I’m really proud of the job we did today.
Ollie Bearman, Haas F1 Driver
Bearman’s continued partnership with teammate Esteban Ocon aims to build on last season’s eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Both drivers will be keen to elevate Haas’ competitive standing as the exhilarating new season unfolds.
Significance of Bearman’s Perspective and What Lies Ahead
Bearman’s declaration of Max Verstappen as the greatest driver highlights the shifting perspectives within Formula One’s new generation. While Lewis Hamilton remains a legendary figure, Bearman’s admiration underscores Verstappen’s impact on emerging drivers who have witnessed his rise firsthand. As the 2026 championship progresses, the rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton continues to captivate fans, with Bearman poised as a fresh voice adding to the sport’s evolving narrative.
Formula 1 enthusiasts can follow every session live through broadcast packages such as Sky’s Essential TV and Sports bundle, which includes extensive coverage and access to various entertainment platforms, emphasizing the sport’s growing reach and fan engagement.
