Lewis Hamilton reacts to ‘mega’ Oliver Bearman display after career-best finish at the Mexican Grand Prix

Follow us on Google Discover

Lando Norris might have taken the lead in the drivers’ championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but the driver who caught everyone’s attention on Sunday was Haas rookie Oliver Bearman.

Heading into the Mexico City Grand Prix, many were wondering what sort of chaos would ensue going into the first corner.

Max Verstappen dived onto the grass to avoid any contact, and Charles Leclerc appeared to gain an advantage over his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton by cutting the second chicane.

However, on lap three, Hamilton and Verstappen were fighting going into turn four, and the seven-time world champion ended up eventually being penalised for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

This compromised Verstappen and George Russell, opening a gap for Oliver Bearman and his surprisingly quick Haas.

The young Brit was running in third until deciding to change onto the soft tyres for a second stint, but he expertly held off Russell and then Oscar Piastri, denying the Australian the chance to stay ahead in the drivers’ championship.

Ferrari sent a message to Bearman after the race, with his parent team keeping a close eye on his progress during his first full season on the grid.

Hamilton was among those impressed by the 20-year-old and congratulated him on a ‘mega drive’ on social media.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Lewis Hamilton hails ‘mega drive’ from Oliver Bearman after the Mexican Grand Prix

Haas posted on Instagram after Bearman recorded the joint-best result in the team’s history.

In response to this post, Hamilton said: “Mega drive today, Ollie, really happy for you.”

The man who previously held the record for best finish in a Haas was Frenchman Romain Grosjean.

He also took to Instagram to celebrate Bearman, and said: “Amazing to see Ollie Bearman, P4 matching Haas’ best ever result!

“Ayao [Komatsu, team principal] doing an amazing [job] and I love it. #f1 #mexicogp.”

World champion Damon Hill was another admirer to post on Instagram after the race, reacting to Bearman’s performance.

He simply said, “Making waves,” as Bearman proved he’s another young driver to beat after virtually every rookie on the grid has had a crowning moment this season.

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

Oliver Bearman hails the ‘perfect job’ Haas did at the Mexico City Grand Prix

Bearman spoke in his official post-race media interview and said: “It was a crazy race out there. I’m so happy to get so many good points for the team, we did a really fantastic job getting the car in the right window; it felt great underneath me – it was the perfect job.

“It’s a feel-good moment also, to go side by side with Max Verstappen is a very cool feeling, he’s someone I’ve grown up watching in Formula 1.

“I’m so proud of this team – we finished P4 on merit – we may have got some luck to get there, but it was our speed that kept us there.”

Bearman has been suggested as Hamilton’s replacement at Ferrari when the 40-year-old eventually decides to retire.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has learned this season how difficult it is to step into Hamilton’s shoes on the grid, although Mercedes put him in that car at a very young age.

Bearman isn’t much older than his former Formula 2 teammate, but is gathering valuable experience to make sure he’s ready if and when he gets the call from team principal Fred Vasseur to return to Ferrari one day.