Ferrari driver and British teenager Oliver “Ollie” Bearman has secured a deal with Haas, making him the fourth British driver on the grid. The 19-year-old, currently the reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas, caught the attention of motorsport enthusiasts during his debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this year.
BREAKING 🚨| Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman has signed for Haas for 2025.
ℹ️ | Daily Mail
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) June 8, 2024
Bearman stepped into the spotlight when he replaced an unwell Carlos Sainz at the last minute in Jeddah. Despite limited running in an F1 car, he qualified a respectable 11th and finished an impressive seventh on the challenging street circuit. His performance marked him as a rising star in the sport.
According to the Daily Mail, Bearman has “secretly signed” with the American team. His contract is reportedly worth £250,000 – £300,000 for his first season. With Nico Hülkenberg leaving Haas for Sauber and Kevin Magnussen’s contract expiring, Bearman’s teammate remains uncertain. Speculation suggests that Esteban Ocon could be a potential candidate.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton praised Bearman’s performance in Saudi Arabia, calling him a “really bright future star.” Bearman’s transition from junior categories to F1 has been swift, and his signing with Haas underscores his potential.
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz: The Quest for a 2025 F1 Seat
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, the spotlight is on Carlos Sainz, the talented Spanish driver currently racing for Ferrari. Sainz finds himself in a unique position—having impressed with podium finishes and a victory in Australia—but still without a confirmed seat for next year.
Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season left Sainz seeking new opportunities. Despite his strong performances, the team opted for the seven-time world champion. Now, Sainz faces the challenge of securing a competitive drive elsewhere.
Options on the Table
1. Red Bull (Least Likely)
Sainz previously drove for Red Bull’s junior team, Toro Rosso, in 2017. However, returning to Red Bull seems unlikely. His stock is rising, and moving to a second-tier team doesn’t align with his upward trajectory.
2. Haas (Financial and Performance Considerations)
Haas, eager to improve their lineup, would love to have Sainz. However, their performance this season—despite surprises—doesn’t put them in the top bracket. Signing Sainz would also strain their budget, given his reported $12 million Ferrari deal compared to Kevin Magnussen’s $5 million forecast.
3. Alpine (Rebuilding and Progress)
Alpine desperately needs a strong driver after Esteban Ocon’s departure. Pairing Sainz with Pierre Gasly could be formidable. However, Alpine’s engine woes and a lackluster 2024 season hinder their appeal.
4. Mercedes (Title Ambitions)
Mercedes remains an attractive option. Their power unit strength, especially with upcoming engine regulations, could propel them back to the top. Sainz seeks a team with realistic title ambitions, and Mercedes fits the bill.
As the market evolves, Sainz keeps his options open. Whether he joins a team with proven success or contributes to a rebuilding project, his talent ensures he’ll remain a sought-after asset.
READ MORE: Carlos Sainz Teases ‘Good’ Future Amidst Perez Contract Revelation: ‘No Surprise’
