The Prancing Horse’s rising star, now at Haas, on his 2024 debut when he replaced Sainz: “Racing in red is my life’s goal; it’s what drives me to give my all and gets me fired up every morning”

Oliver Bearman’s first F1 Grand Prix was behind the wheel of a Ferrari. It was Carlos Sainz’s car; Sainz had undergone surgery for appendicitis in Jeddah in 2024 and was replaced by the young Brit, who managed to finish seventh. Now, after his first year as a full-time driver at Haas, that young man has only one goal: to return to racing for Ferrari. And he wants Maranello to know it.

How would you rate your first season in Formula 1?

“It was long and demanding. I’d already had a taste of F1 with three races last year, but a full season as a regular driver is totally different—even in ways that are perhaps underestimated, like the amount of time we spend away from home. You have to learn to manage your energy, and I think this first year has been very instructive, especially in that regard.”

Looking back, what advice would you give to the Bearman from the start of the year?

“To stay motivated and determined even in the toughest and most difficult moments. There were moments during the season when I did some stupid things—things I obviously wouldn’t repeat now—but I think it all helped me learn and improve more quickly. So I don’t regret those moments; I’d just tell him never to lose heart.”

What was the toughest moment of the season?

“Australia. It was a terrible start to the World Championship, a weekend full of mistakes that ended with a crash. It’s definitely not what you want as a rookie in your first race of the year. Then another tough moment was Silverstone, especially because it was my home race weekend and I made a very stupid mistake that cost me a penalty, but from then on I think I improved a lot. I learned a lesson.”

Last year he raced in F2 against Hadjar, who will be at Red Bull alongside Verstappen next year. Is he surprised by Hadjar’s progress?

“I’m very happy for him; he’s shown he has a lot of talent, and it’s fantastic that our generation is making its way into the top teams, just like Kimi Antonelli with Mercedes. I have to say I’m also a little jealous that they can compete up front, but my time will come too.”

With Ferrari?

“That’s my dream; it’s what drives me to give my all and gets me fired up every morning. I want to race in red, I want to win in red: it’s my life’s goal. I was lucky to get a taste of it when I raced in Jeddah in 2024 as a replacement for Sainz, and now that I know how it feels, I’m even more motivated. But for now, I’m focusing on my team and trying to do my best here, knowing that my dream will come true one day.”

Could the 2026 results be a great opportunity to catch Maranello’s eye?

“I want 2026 to be a solid year, especially for my team, Haas, so we can try to seize the best opportunities with them amid this new regulatory change. As for the rest, I have no control over it: I feel ready for whatever the future holds. And next year, with more experience, I want to show that even more. To everyone.”