Haas rookie Oliver Bearman delivered the drive of his young career in Mexico City on Sunday, finishing a remarkable fourth after a strong drive that included going wheel-to-wheel with reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
The 20-year-old described the heart-pounding experience with a mix of awe and adrenaline – and some colorful language for good measure, while his career-best result also proved that he’s no longer just one for the future in F1 – he’s one for the now.
Starting from a solid ninth position, Bearman seized the moment at the race’s chaotic opening, weaving through the pack with the poise of a veteran.
“Yeah, I had a good start. I slotted myself between the two Mercs, I think, and then actually, in those laps, I had good pace. You know, I was able to stay in DRS,” he said as he reflected on his memorable afternoon.
Bearman’s sharp instincts paid off as he capitalized on a heated clash between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, slipping into prime position. But it was his daring side-by-side battle with Verstappen that had pulses racing – especially his own.
“Honestly, I was sh***ing myself going side by side with Max, but it's really cool to go wheel to wheel with these people that I've been watching since I started watching F1,” the young Briton admitted with a grin, his words capturing the surreal thrill of dueling a childhood idol.
Holding His Own Under Pressure
As the race unfolded, Bearman found himself under relentless pressure, with Verstappen’s Red Bull looming large in his mirrors.
“And I had him in my mirrors for a long time, so it was probably the most pressure I've ever had in a race scenario,” he confessed.
Yet, the rookie held his nerve and never put a foot wrong to secure a career-best fourth place behind race winner Lando Norris, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and Verstappen himself.
The result marked a monumental leap for Bearman, whose 12 points propelled him to 13th in the drivers’ standings with 32 points, while Haas inched closer to seventh in the constructors’ championship with 62 points.
The intensity of racing against F1’s elite wasn’t lost on Bearman, who’s still early in his journey with Haas. When asked if battling the sport’s top dogs boosted his confidence, he agreed although the circumstances were unexpected.
“Yeah, it's cool and I didn't expect to be fighting against these top cars this year or this stage of my career,” he said. “But it gives me a great feeling for the future, and hopefully that can be the normal thing instead of a one-off.”
Strategic Smarts Seal the Deal
With a podium tantalizingly close, Bearman faced a critical decision on tyre strategy during the 71-lap event. Running strong on medium tyres, he briefly dreamed of stretching his stint for a shot at third.
“At points on that medium, I was, from what we understood, I was bringing that tyre to the end until I got called to box,” he explained, admitting that the risk of falling back to sixth or seventh loomed large.
“I need to look back at exactly what happened, but I think in our position, it would have been a bit risky trying to stay out and go for the podium and potentially finish sixth or seventh,” he added.
Opting for caution, Bearman and Haas made the call to pit, a decision he endorsed?
“I think we did the right choice by consolidating, even if it maybe stopped us from having the chance of a podium. But, we finished fourth still. It's not bad.”
As the dust settled on an unforgettable Mexico City Grand Prix, Bearman’s performance sent a clear message: the rookie is here to compete.
With his fearless drive and strategic savviness, the Briton is setting the stage for even bigger moments in Formula 1. But for now, he’s savoring the thrill of racing legends – and proving he belongs among them.
Team Talk – Sunday in Mexico City
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