– Oliver Bearman reviewed the steep learning curve in his first full Formula 1 season with Haas. The Brit emphasized that he had to take on a much more significant technical role than he was used to from the junior series.
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With the recommendation of three outstanding performances, Bearman started the 2025 Formula 1 season. He finished his rookie year in 13th place overall in the championship standings, leaving his teammate Esteban Ocon three points and two places behind. His impressive performance continues in the current 2026 season.
In a recently released video from the Haas F1 Team, the young driver looks back on his first season with the American racing team. The transition from Formula 2 to Formula 1 was a huge challenge for Bearman. The adjustment involved not only understanding a car that was fundamentally different from his previous Prema car but also the massive expansion of the team around him.
From a 20-Person Team to a Formula 1 Factory
“It was an important year for me,” he says. “I think it is probably the year in which I will learn the most in my life because I entered Formula 1 for the first time. You only get this experience once.”
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Bearman emphasizes his personal development: “I have matured a lot. In Formula 2, the team at the track consisted of maybe 20 people. Of course, the team in the factory was much larger, but on site, it was just 20 people – and now that number has at least tripled.”
In addition, there is support from headquarters: “We have almost 400 employees at home in the factory. So the team has grown exponentially.”
Feedback as the Key to Development
In the junior categories, pure speed is the focus for the drivers. In Formula 1, however, the drivers have to get used to the fact that vehicle development heavily depends on their feedback. Bearman had to redefine this approach for himself.
“The developments we make on the car are directly influenced by what we say as drivers. You have to understand that this is your role. Previously, I never had this task, and it is difficult to take it on automatically,” he explains.
“It takes a while. I think I have embraced the role well, but it doesn’t happen overnight. It definitely took a few races before I understood my position in the team. This position is very different from the lower categories.”
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The Brit has become more confident: “Now I am someone who comes out more and is less afraid to speak up and express my opinion. It is difficult at first because you feel that your opinion might not be immediately appreciated. It is quite natural: you basically come in as a kid and have to earn respect first.”
Strong Form Curve and Look Ahead to 2026
Bearman showed his best form in his rookie season from the race in Zandvoort. There he achieved a remarkable comeback from the pit lane to sixth place, followed by a series of five consecutive races in the points. His fourth place in Mexico, which he achieved with his Haas race car, is the best shared result for a driver of the team under the leadership of team principal Ayao Komatsu.
The 2026 season now brings another challenge with the new regulation changes, which Bearman still has to get to grips with.
“I still have a lot to learn. This is, for example, my first regulation change, while some of my competitors have already experienced two, three, or four of them. So this will be a completely new experience for me, which I am looking forward to. It is a great opportunity to learn, and hopefully, there will be many more such changes in my career.”
Goal: World Championship
Bearman sees himself prepared for the future: “I feel that I can take everything I learned last year with me. And I can further expand my knowledge through the experiences from 2026.”
Even though there is no concrete goal for this year yet, he states one without hesitation: “My life goal is to become world champion. I am currently building the foundation to hopefully be in a position one day to achieve this.”
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After the first four races of the 2026 season, Bearman currently ranks eighth in the drivers’ standings with 17 points, while his teammate is in 16th place with only one point.
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