Oliver Bearman shares what advice Gene Haas gave him ahead of his 2025 F1 debut season

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Oliver Bearman is set to join the Formula 1 grid from the 2025 season after signing a multi-year deal with Haas, making him the first confirmed rookie of the season.

His full-time F1 debut comes after a last minute call-up at Ferrari during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when Carlos Sainz had to withdraw due to appendicitis.

With the addition of Oliver Bearman next year, it means that British drivers will make up a fifth of the grid alongside Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris.

The 19-year-old is currently the youngest confirmed driver on the grid, although his F2 teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to join Mercedes next year to succeed Hamilton while Jack Doohan is also in pole position to star alongside Pierre Gasly at Alpine.

Ahead of his full-time debut, Bearman has revealed the advice Haas team owner Gene Haas told him when speaking on the High Performance podcast.

Oliver Bearman reveals advice from Gene Haas

Bearman will join Haas alongside Esteban Ocon, which is not only an all-new lineup for the American team but also an experienced driver whom the Briton can learn from in his formative years.

Haas is generally trying to improve its form having started off the current regulation cycle on the backfoot, and a refreshed driver lineup could enable them to improve on their overall finishing position.

Bearman reflected on the advice he was given by the team owner, while also explaining the goals they hope to achieve together.

“So, I met him for the first time in Austria and we had about an hour conversation just talking about motorsport and the technical side of things which he loves,” said Bearman.

“I love that because he actually has more knowledge than me on that side of things and it’s great to see how much passion he has as well. He of course gave me the standard advice which is built it up, don’t put it in the wall of course!

“But, I think we have the same goal together, we have really high ambitions, both me and the team so I’m really excited to start the partnership together.”

Oliver Bearman chooses F1 idol

Bearman named seven-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher as his F1 idol, even though he was not born when the German won the last of his titles in 2004.

Schumacher did make a comeback in 2010 with Mercedes, although his highest finishing position was third at the 2012 European GP in Valencia when he became the oldest driver to achieve a podium at 43 years-old.

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

Speaking in a Q&A session, Bearman noted Schumacher for his success at Ferrari as one of the reasons why he idolises the F1 legend.

The route Bearman is following in his F1 career is somewhat similar to Schumacher, in that he is starting in a midfield team before he makes a switch higher up the grid where he can challenge for titles.