Oliver Bearman names the ‘best F1 driver’ ever after racing against three world champions

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Oliver Bearman has raced against some of Formula 1’s most elite names in his two years associated with the sport.

The young Brit made his debut at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP in place of Carlos Sainz for Ferrari. Narrowly missing out on Q3, he made an instant impression, finishing the race in P7 ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Bearman went on to make two more appearances in 2024 for Haas in Baku and Sao Paulo, before signing with the team full-time in 2025. The 20-year-old has put in some standout performances in the VF-25, with a best finish of sixth at Zandvoort.

Jamie Chadwick thinks Bearman could emulate George Russell and move on to a top team in the future. Bearman is a target for Ferrari – he could replace Hamilton if he decides to retire at the end of 2026.

The Brit hopes to fight amongst the frontrunners one day, having competed against champions such as Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. Ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Bearman named the ‘best F1 driver’ ever.

Oliver Bearman names Max Verstappen as the ‘best F1 driver’ ever

Speaking via F1 Nation, the Haas driver believes that Verstappen is the best driver F1 has ‘ever had’. He believes the Dutchman is the ‘reference’ for all drivers on the grid, with him battling the McLarens for the 2025 title.

Talking about him having nothing to lose in the title fight, Bearman said: “Well that’s always been Max’s attitude, right? I think he’s the best, the best F1 driver we’ve ever had.

“He’s the reference, in my opinion, for all of us, for me growing up and aspiring to one day be one of those guys, in the top three of the championship, fighting for the win.

“And Max is the reference and Max is the guy that we need to emulate, or try and beat, because I think he’s the best of what we have on the grid.

“He clearly has the momentum at the moment. He’s shown many times that pressure is something that doesn’t faze him. He can put those laps in qualifying at the last minute when all of the eyes are on him.

“He clearly has the momentum in these races. So, it’s going to be tight and it’s an uphill battle for him. I think it’s possible, and even though it’s a long shot, if anyone can do it, it’s Max.”

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

One stat proves Max Verstappen will become F1’s GOAT if he wins the 2025 title

Heading into this weekend’s race in Mexico, Verstappen sits 40 points behind Oscar Piastri, having won three of the last four races. The McLaren drivers have not beaten the Red Bull star in any of those events as he mounts the pressure on them to seal the championship.

Piastri cannot deny that Verstappen’s consistency has made him a threat in the title fight. Red Bull have continued to upgrade the RB21 as they see a chance for the 28-year-old to claim his five consecutive F1 crown.

Verstappen would become F1’s GOAT if he won the title, as he would be the first driver to win three championships without his team winning the constructors’ title in the same year. It shows he can still be the best in the sport even without the best car.

As Bearman says, it will be an uphill battle for Verstappen to beat the McLarens in the next five races. But equally, he has the momentum, and Piastri and Lando Norris are starting to feel the pressure.