British Formula 1 driver Oliver Bearman has offered a detailed assessment of the current Formula 1 pecking order, placing Lewis Hamilton among the top three drivers on the grid while also acknowledging the sustained elite level of performance the seven-time world champion continues to deliver at Ferrari.
The young Haas driver, widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in the sport, first made headlines when he impressed during his unexpected Ferrari debut in Jeddah in 2024, where he delivered a strong performance against established competition, including Lewis Hamilton himself at the time.
Since then, Lewis Hamilton has completed his high-profile move to Ferrari in Maranello, while Oliver Bearman has progressed to a full-time Formula 1 seat with Haas for the 2025 season, bringing both drivers onto the same grid in a new competitive context.
Bearman has also been frequently linked with a potential long-term future at Ferrari, with many within the paddock viewing him as a possible successor figure in the coming years. Despite this narrative, Lewis Hamilton has previously downplayed any sense of rivalry or threat, with both drivers reportedly maintaining a positive and respectful professional relationship.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has begun strongly for both British drivers. Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium finish for Ferrari in China, marking a significant milestone in his adaptation to the Scuderia environment, while Oliver Bearman has taken a notable step forward in performance with Haas, currently holding seventh place in the championship standings ahead of several more established competitors, including Max Verstappen.
Following the Maranello tam’s podium result in China, the Ferrari junior was heard celebrating Lewis Hamilton’s achievement over team radio, reflecting the respect and admiration he holds for the seven-time world champion after what was a challenging 2025 campaign for Ferrari’s British driver.
Oliver Bearman ranks Lewis Hamilton among top three Formula 1 drivers on current grid
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Oliver Bearman discussed what it is like to share the Formula 1 grid with Lewis Hamilton and reflected on the impact the Ferrari driver has had on him personally and professionally.
Bearman explained that Lewis Hamilton was one of the first drivers to reach out to him after his standout moments in Jeddah, describing it as an example of the Ferrari driver’s character and willingness to support younger talent entering Formula 1.
He also emphasised the contrast between their respective career stages, with Oliver Bearman acknowledging that he is still at the beginning of his Formula 1 journey, driven by ambition and a strong desire to prove himself, while Lewis Hamilton has already achieved historic success across multiple eras of the sport.
Despite those differences, the Ferrari Driver Academy member stressed that Lewis Hamilton continues to demonstrate exceptional motivation and competitiveness, even after securing seven world championships and becoming the most successful driver in Formula 1 history based on wins and podium finishes.
Oliver Bearman further stated that, in his view, Lewis Hamilton unquestionably belongs among the top three drivers currently competing in Formula 1, highlighting not only his sustained performance level but also his continued hunger to compete at the highest level well into his forties.
He also praised the Ferrari driver’s approach to supporting younger competitors, noting that the seven-time F1 world champion consistently shows openness, encouragement, and professionalism toward emerging talent, which he believes reflects positively on his character as a sporting figure.
Oliver Bearman identifies Max Verstappen as reference point in Formula 1
While recognising the elite status of Lewis Hamilton, Oliver Bearman has also previously expressed admiration for Max Verstappen, whom he considers the benchmark driver in modern Formula 1.
Bearman has described Max Verstappen as the “reference point” for the entire grid, highlighting his raw speed, racecraft, and consistency as defining traits that set him apart in the current era of Formula 1 competition.
Max Verstappen, a multiple world champion, has faced a more challenging start to the 2026 season following regulation changes that have affected Red Bull’s overall performance balance. The Dutch driver has openly expressed frustration with the new technical framework and has so far collected a limited points tally compared to previous dominant seasons.
Despite this difficult transition period, Ollie Bearman’s assessment reflects a broader paddock view that Max Verstappen remains one of the most influential and complete drivers on the grid, even as teams adapt to evolving technical regulations.
In this context, Oliver Bearman’s comments place both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the very top of Formula 1’s current competitive hierarchy, each representing different eras and styles of excellence within the sport.
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