Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman confident he is “ready for F1”

The Pre-Formula 2 Journey
Oliver Bearman, born in 2005, is considered one of the most promising drivers in the junior categories of Formula 1. The only one capable of winning the titles in both the Italian and German Formula 4 championships in the same season, the current Prema talent then moved to Formula 3 with the same Grisignano di Zocco-based team in 2022. That was the year he was promoted by Ferrari to their Driver Academy.

Early Experiences
Moving to Formula 2 last season, Oliver Bearman made further strides. In addition to winning a total of four races, the last one at Monza, the British driver also matured his approach to Formula 1. Engaged in the first free practice sessions in the Mexico and Abu Dhabi GPs with Haas, the 18-year-old also conducted a test in Fiorano with Ferrari, accumulating three experiences that increased his exposure to the top tier, even as a rookie.

Ready to Begin
His future for the upcoming season has already been decided: another year in Formula 2 with Prema, this time alongside teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, making his debut and arriving directly from the Formula Regional European Championship. A season that could bring the Englishman closer to Formula 1, but the potential call-up to the Circus doesn’t seem to worry him: “I know I would be ready to go – he stated in a recent interview on the official F1 website – I know I have what it takes, but of course, preparation would be important, and, first of all, I would need to do a good job in F2. That’s the first step, but I have no doubt that if I were called, I would be ready to go.” – he pointed out.

Ground Effect Tests
To further fuel the Englishman’s confidence in his abilities, there will also be the 2024 tests that, according to the regulations, will allow young drivers to conduct sessions with the 2022 ground-effect cars: “Being able to use the 2022 cars will be very useful because it’s the same generation of cars, and not much has changed since then – he added – so, it’s good to know, and hopefully, we can also take advantage of it. We hope there are more FP1 sessions and also private tests. I have no say in it, but in an ideal world, this would be my approach to an F1 season.” – the Ferrari Driver Academy member concluded.