Britain’s youngest ever Formula One driver is set to be a permanent fixture on the grid after announcing he will race for Haas in 2025.
Oliver Bearman, 19, made headlines after impressing as a last-minute stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March.
The teenager qualified in 11th but made up four places in the race to finish seventh – two positions ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Bearman, who was only 18 at the time, became the youngest British driver to start a F1 race and third youngest overall.
He will now join fellow British drivers Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris on the grid next year.
Bearman is currently a reserve driver for Haas – an American outfit which is Ferrari’s effective B team.
His multi-season deal with Haas 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 competing in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Pic: AP
Hamilton applauded Bearman after the race in Saudi Arabia and waited by his Ferrari to embrace him.
The 39-year-old later 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.
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.”
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Bearman drove for Ferrari in March. Pic: AP
Sky Sports News presenter Craig Slater said: “(Bearman) is the Jude Bellingham of Formula 1. I think we have to conclude that.”
He added: “Lewis Hamilton is going [to Ferrari] but he will be 40 next season when he makes his Ferrari debut, so if Bearman stays for three years at Haas, might he succeed Hamilton at Ferrari? There is that potential.”
Raised in Chelmsford and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, Bearman moved to Italy after he joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16.
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.
Bearman will replace Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg at Haas. The identity of his teammate is unclear as Kevin Magnussen’s contract expires at the end of the season.
Haas are seventh of 10 in the constructors’ standings at the moment.