Haas on Bearman’s bright future: ‘Ferrari can’t ignore him’

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Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu believes the US outfit’s Ferrari protégé Oliver Bearman will eventually return to the Italian outfit at some point in the future, given the young Briton’s remarkable talent, professionalism, and impressive performances.

Bearman, who will undertake with Haas this year his first full season in F1, is on loan from Ferrari on the basis of a two-year deal that includes an extension option.

The 19-year-old was drafted in last season to race for Haas in the Azerbaijan and Sao Paulo Grands Prix.

But his standout moment came on his F1 debut when he substituted for an ailing Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, bringing the Ferrari SF-24 home in a stunning seventh place.

A Rookie in Name Only

For Komatsu, Bearman’s potential has been evident from the start, and the Haas chief acknowledges the undeniable pull Ferrari will have on the talented Brit, and vice versa.

Read also: Komatsu to lay down ‘clear rules of engagement’ for new Haas duo

“He is a Ferrari driver and we’ve got him for two years – plus an option for an extra one – but if we do a good job and if Ollie does a good job, there’s no way Ferrari can ignore that,” Komatsu told the media earlier this week.

"It's funny about Ollie being a rookie because I don't treat him as a rookie in the sense, because we pay lots of attention to what he has to say.

"Of course he's got good experience in Ferrari's education, simulator, etc. And he's been driving our car – VF-23 and VF-24."

The Japanese engineer pointed to Bearman’s qualifying successes against Nico Hülkenberg in Baku and Interlagos as evidence of his skills and ability.

"Every time he gets in the car, his feedback's been excellent. The approach has been excellent, speed has been great.

“You saw in Baku and Interlagos, both qualifying sessions he out-qualified Nico, who was our reference.”

Maranello's Watchful Eye

With Ferrari closely monitoring Bearman’s progress, Komatsu plans to meet with the Italian team in February to exchange insights on the young driver.

"I'm sure Ferrari want regular feedback. I'm actually going to see them in the first week of February so I can understand exactly what kind of feedback they would like.

©Ferrari

"But I'd like to give them feedback as well, because they have been a crucial part of his career, so they know Ollie better than us, so any help we can get from that side would be beneficial as well.

"I'd like to work quite closely with the guy who has been dealing with Ollie."

Bearman’s journey has only just begun, but under Haas’s guidance and Ferrari’s watchful eye, the future looks bright for the teenage rising star.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.