Bearman: “In F1, Drivers Not Only Drive, They Also Develop the Car”

Ollie Bearman is no longer a rookie, after completing his first full season as a Haas driver in 2025, the then 20 year old Briton has established himself as one of the most interesting young prospects in Formula 1. In a recent reflection, the current driver of the American team revealed what was the biggest lesson he learned during his debut year in the top category.

"It wasn't just the speed of the cars or the level of competition," Bearman explained. The most significant change, according to his testimony, had to do with the responsibility a driver acquires within a team's structure. Unlike categories such as Formula 2, in F1 the driver not only has to focus on driving fast, but also on actively contributing to the car's development through technical feedback.

"Car development is directly influenced by what we say as drivers," said Bearman as he recalled how he had to adapt to a much more comprehensive role within Haas. The young driver admitted that at first it was not easy to assume that role, especially as a rookie surrounded by personnel with extensive experience in the paddock.

Bearman also pointed out that one of his main evolutions was gaining the confidence to express his opinions within the team. He acknowledged that at first he found it difficult to speak up and give instructions, feeling that he still had to earn his place within the organization. However, as the races went by, he came to understand that this communication was an essential part of his job.

"At first I found it hard to speak, to give instructions, because I felt I hadn't earned that right yet, but then I understood that it's part of my job, if I don't say what I feel with the car, the engineers can't improve," declared the Briton. The experience taught him that humility is not at odds with firmness and that a driver, even as a rookie, has an obligation to contribute.

The balance of his first season was more than positive, Bearman ended 2025 in thirteenth position in the championship and outperformed his teammate Esteban Ocon in points, a performance that strengthened his reputation as one of the most solid rookies of the recent generation. In 2026, at just 21 years old, the Briton faces a new challenge, the technical regulation change, which has completely transformed the way cars are driven.

Bearman believes that everything he learned during his first campaign will be key to continuing to evolve: "Now I know that my voice matters, I'm not just a driver going around in circles. I'm part of the car's development, that changed my mindset completely," he concluded.

Haas, which sits fourth in the constructors' championship, trusts that its young driver will continue to take steps forward.