Oliver Bearman is eyeing the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition as he sets his sights on securing a Formula 1 seat next season, following his debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he finished with points at seventh position.

The 18-year-old stepped in for Ferrari after Carlos Sainz had to skip the race due to appendicitis. Bearman’s impressive performance saw him finish ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, a feat that left him hungry for more. He has now broken the record of the youngest Brit to race at a Grand Prix. 

“Getting a taste of this amazing world… I know what I’m missing out on up there in F1,” Bearman remarked, expressing his desire to pursue his dreams at the highest level of motorsport.

His stellar debut did not go unnoticed among current drivers. Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc predicted that it would only be a matter of time before Bearman joined the F1 grid, while former world champion Damon Hill hailed him as a rising star.

Looking ahead, Bearman remains focused on his ultimate goal of securing a permanent spot on the F1 grid, aiming for a regular presence as soon as 2025. He acknowledges the need to continue excelling in Formula 2 to bolster his chances of realizing his childhood dream. He said: “That’s a childhood dream that I would love to realise. I need to keep pushing in F2 to make sure that I can get that F1 seat – that’s my main goal for this year.

Born in Chelmsford, Bearman has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, and despite the impending arrival of Hamilton at Ferrari next season, he remains determined to carve out a place for himself within the team.

Reflecting on his whirlwind debut weekend in Jeddah, Bearman expressed his eagerness to represent Ferrari on a permanent basis. Having spent three years living in Italy, he feels a deep connection to the team and is motivated by the support and recognition he has received from the factory.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu