Thursday’s British Grand Prix media day kicked off with some young British driver news, as Haas announced this morning that Ferrari Academy driver Oliver Bearman, who currently splits time between Haas and Ferrari’s reserve roles, will take one of the team’s two seats on next year’s F1 grid.
Bearman’s promotion Thursday’s FIA press conferenceThe young driver was also praised by three of his compatriots, including Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who Barman overtook in the closing stages of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to finish seventh in an impressive debut race, replacing the ill Carlos Sainz Jr.
“Yeah, [he] They did a great job earlier this year and yeah, I think it’s great that there are so many good young, talented drivers coming out of the UK.” Hamilton said“Silverstone and [British Racing Driving Club] “We’re investing in a lot of British drivers so I think we’re playing a part in that. I think it’s great for the sport, it takes the pressure off all of us. Hopefully we can get at least one of the British drivers up front.”
“I think he deserves it,” Norris said. “I think he showed in Saudi Arabia how well he can work under the pressure of performing on the first weekend and getting a lot out of the car, so I’m excited to see him on the grid next year and looking forward to racing.”
Austrian Grand Prix winner George Russell also praised the young British driver.
Yeah, Ollie’s obviously a great driver and I think it’s great to have four Brits on the grid and shows the strength of British motorsport. When I was racing karting it was very competitive and I think next year 20% of the grid will be British. And of course Alex [Albon]He’s half British too so it’s great to see him there and I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”
Bearman took part in FP1 this week as Haas’ reserve driver and is set to take on the role full-time next year. Currently 14th He now leads the F2 Drivers’ Championship standings and took his first win of the season in the F2 sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix.
And if you need advice, you can turn to a seven-time F1 champion.
“No, I’ve never been asked and I’ve never thought about it,” Hamilton said when asked to mentor Bearman. “I don’t think I’d need to. I think he’s a bright enough lad and, obviously, as one of the older drivers here, I think my door is always open if anyone has any questions or any advice they need.”
