Details of negotiations between Ferrari and Haas for Oliver Bearman’s F1 contract. Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman will drive for Haas in 2025 F1 season.

Oliver Bearman, clear path ahead

The sudden absence of Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix allowed Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman to fulfill his dream of racing at the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car.

At 18 years, 10 months, and one day, the Englishman became the youngest driver to sit behind the wheel of a Prancing Horse car in Formula 1.

And he did not disappoint, qualifying 11th (less than a second off Charles Leclerc’s time, despite having driven the SF-24 only in the final free practice session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix) and finishing the race in 7th place. In the weeks following the Jeddah race, it became increasingly clear that Haas had chosen the young Brit for the seat vacated by Nico Hulkenberg, who accepted the Audi challenge.

The contract figures
During the Montreal weekend in Canada, the Daily Mail explained that the signature on the Haas contract had already been made: “The 19-year-old from Essex has secretly signed the deal that will make him the fourth British driver on the starting grid.” The British outlet also revealed the details of the agreement: a salary between £250,000 and £300,000 (equivalent to €295,000 and €354,000) and a one-year duration with an option for a second year.

Journalist Jonathan McEvoy explained: “According to well-informed sources, Oliver Bearman could double his salary if his performances allow him to keep his place in the team.” Clearly, there is no doubt that the young Brit will remain under Ferrari’s guidance, being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA).