Ayao Komatsu recalls the moment Oliver Bearman left him stunned before signing for Haas

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Oliver Bearman is emerging as a serious talent in Formula 1 with an impressive rookie season with Haas in 2025.

The Brit sits 11th in the standings with 40 points after putting in some standout performances in the VF-25. He has started to break into Q3 and the points more regularly, achieving his best-ever finish at the Mexican GP with P4.

Bearman earned praise from Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for his performance as he fought for a podium place. The 20-year-old has been making a name for himself in F1 since he made his debut in 2024 for the Maranello outfit.

He was afforded his chance in the pinnacle of motorsport when he stood in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian GP. With no testing, he stepped into the car and finished a hugely impressive P7 after just missing out on Q3 on Saturday.

It prompted Ayao Komatsu to sign him for Haas for 2025, giving him appearances in Baku and Sao Paulo in 2024. The team principal knows what potential Bearman has in F1, having seen it firsthand before he made his debut.

Oliver Bearman shocked Ayao Komatsu in his first FP1 session with Haas in Mexico in 2023

Speaking on the James Allen on F1 podcast, Komatsu shared that he was not surprised by Bearman’s F1 debut with Ferrari in Jeddah. That was because he had already seen what ‘incredible’ talent he had from his first FP1 appearance in Mexico in 2023.

He recalled how he was left shocked by his speed and maturity during the session, and how he was always willing to learn: “He’s incredibly talented. He’s one of the fastest drivers I’ve ever seen. So ceiling, I haven’t seen it.

“So, it’s really more matter of harnessing that talent, nurturing that talent. You talked about that Saudi last year, but we’ve been working with Ollie since the Mexico FP1 two years ago. Then that Mexico FP1 was a huge, huge shock to me, impressive, absolutely impressive.

“He was 18. He really understood what the team needed for the FP1 session. And then the rate he learned throughout that session was incredible. And the maturity he had, the approach he had, of course, speed impressed me.

“But more the approach and maturity that really impressed me and also gave me the idea that, OK, on top of this speed, he’s already got the speed. But with this maturity and understanding and openness, how quickly he learns, his potential is way, way, way beyond that.

“So to me, what he did in Saudi for Ferrari, even though it was such a difficult situation, that wasn’t a surprise. But again, he is everything on the knife edge.”

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Haas driver Oliver Bearman? Everything to know

Oliver Bearman is being tipped for a huge move as Ferrari target him for 2027

Damon Hill has been astounded by Bearman and his ability to extract the most out of what he has. The 1996 F1 champion is backing him for a big move in the future, and he may get one as soon as next year.

Bearman is a target for Ferrari in 2027 as the team look set to part ways with Hamilton. The Maranello outfit view the Haas driver as the successor to the seven-time champion, who is not likely to receive a new contract.

Ferrari could sign Bearman before 2027 as they assess their options. They are finding it hard to ignore his performances in 2025, with Bearman delivering the consistency that Ferrari wanted to see when they sent him to Haas.

The Brit has a long career ahead of him and more development will be required. But he is giving people every reason to be excited as Ferrari eye him for a future seat.