Oliver Bearman Gains Confidence Watching Former F2 Rivals Dominate F1
Oliver Bearman, the 21‑year‑old driver for Haas, claims that seeing former Formula 2 teammates Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar fend for the front in Formula 1 instills in him a clear belief that a race‑winning car is on the horizon.
Mid‑Season Shift for Haas
Haas began the year contesting top‑five possibilities but has since fallen behind in the mid‑season development race. 12th‑placed Bearman has 18 championship points, while team‑mate Esteban Ocon trails with three points, placing Haas 7th in the constructors’ standings with 21 points overall.
Antonelli and Hadjar’s Current Form
Antonelli, Bearman’s F2 partner, leads the drivers’ standings with 219 points, while Hadjar sits eighth with 68 points. Both now compete for the front of the Formula 1 grid, showcasing their continued growth since their junior days.
Podcast Highlights Bearman’s Perspective
On the “F1 Beyond The Grid” podcast, Bearman was asked about Antonelli’s strong season. He replied that seeing these drivers excel in fast cars gives him a benchmark, allowing him to sleep soundly knowing he has the talent to match them.
Recognising Machinery Limitations
Bearman has already demonstrated his capacity in F1, earning points on his debut at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with Ferrari and surpassing his team‑mate in his rookie year. He admits his current car restricts his results, placing emphasis solely on personal performance.
Future Focus
He states that, once the machinery matches his skill, winning races will be inevitable. In the meantime, Bearman remains patient, concentrating on delivering the best performance possible each lap.
With his confidence bolstered by the success of Antonelli and Hadjar, Bearman’s trajectory appears set to accelerate once Haas’s equipment aligns with his proven talent.
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