Ollie Bearman joins Haas and becomes Britain’s fourth Formula One driver

Teenager Ollie Bearman will become the fourth British driver in Formula One after it was announced he will race for Haas in 2025.

The 19-year-old, who impressed as a last-minute stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March, joins Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and George Russell on the F1 grid next year.

Bearman’s multi-season deal with the American outfit – Ferrari’s effective B team – was confirmed on the eve of the driver’s home event at Silverstone.

“It’s hard to put into words just how much this means to me,” said Bearman. “To say out loud that I will be a Formula One driver for Haas makes me so immensely proud.

“To be one of the very few people who get to do the thing that they dreamed of as a child is something truly incredible.”

Bearman, currently a reserve driver for Haas, became the youngest British driver in F1 history with his debut in Saudi Arabia as a replacement for Sainz who was ruled out with appendicitis.

Bearman qualified 11th, and then made up four places in the race to finish seventh – remarkably two positions ahead of seven-time world champion Hamilton.

Hamilton applauded Bearman as he drove past him following the chequered flag and then waited by his Ferrari to embrace him.

Speaking after the race, Hamilton, 39, described Bearman’s display as “phenomenal” and that of a “future star”. Bearman landed his first win of the Formula Two season in Austria last weekend. The F2 championship acts as a feeder series to F1.

“I received a video from Lewis in 2015 or 2016 and he said ‘keep pushing and hopefully you can make it to F1 one day’ and here I am,” recalled Bearman, who was just 18 months old when Hamilton made his debut in 2007.

“Lewis met one of my mum’s friends and she asked him to make the video. It was the most amazing day of my life.

“So it is crazy to share the track with these guys, who I have watched racing. It is pretty special and a pinch-yourself-moment because in my eyes, they are huge stars.”

Haas team owner Gene Haas said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to give Oliver Bearman this opportunity to drive full-time in Formula One – he’s undoubtedly an exciting rookie prospect, not just based on what he showed in Saudi Arabia but also through his time developing his relationship with our team.

“I’m personally excited to see how he grows as a driver, and we look forward to seeing him deliver for Haas next season and beyond. This is an exciting time for the team.”

Raised in Chelmsford and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, Bearman moved to Italy after he joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16.

“Of course it’s every child’s dream to race for Ferrari,” said Bearman. “But it’s not really in my hands. All I can do is perform at my best. I’m focused on Haas and I’m really excited to get started.”

Following four victories in his rookie F2 season last year, Bearman made his first practice outing at a grand prix weekend in Mexico City in October before his impressive debut for Ferrari in Jeddah.

He will be back in the Haas cockpit in opening practice at Silverstone on Friday.

Bearman will replace Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg at Haas with the identity of his team-mate unclear. Kevin Magnussen’s contract expires at the end of the season. Haas are seventh of 10 in the constructors’ standings.