Ollie Bearman describes how he changed his driving style to race against Max Verstappen

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Oliver Bearman is hoping to take the fight to the likes of Max Verstappen in Formula 1, and he has already been making changes to prepare for such a reality.

The Brit has impressed since making his F1 debut with Ferrari in 2024, and he carried that into his rookie season with Haas in 2025. He finished 13th in the standings with 41 points, beating his experienced teammate, Esteban Ocon.

Bearman put in some stellar drives last year, including a P8 in China and P6 in Zandvoort and Sao Paulo. His best result, however, came at the Mexico City GP, where he finished an incredible fourth.

The result marked Haas’ joint-best result in F1 since joining in 2016. Bearman came within touching distance of a podium as he fought Verstappen and held his own around the narrow Mexico City course.

Ollie Bearman changed his driving style to deny Max Verstappen any extra space

Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Bearman detailed the events of the Mexico City GP and how he came to fight Verstappen. He produced a great overtake on the inside of turn six as the Red Bull driver battled with Lewis Hamilton.

The Haas driver explained that he changed his driving style to deny the Dutchman any extra space on track. Bearman knows that Verstappen would come back ‘aggressive’ if he gives him the opportunity.

“It’s not that he was putting me under any more pressure than any other time,” he said. “When I went side by side with him, he was just another car on the track, but you know who it is, and you know that the way he holds himself is differently to the others.

“You know how aggressive he is. You know that if you give him an inch too much, he’s going to take it and he’s not going to let you get away with even the smallest mistake.

What does Oliver Bearman need to do to become a Ferrari driver in 2027?

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“So, it’s not that he did anything differently. It’s just the perception of, ‘It’s Max. He’s the best, it’s him.’ And I was side by side with him, and I was like, normally I would have tried to open up that corner to prepare myself for the best exit.

“But I said, ‘No, I have Max next to me. So, if I give him a bit more space on the entry, he’s going to take it and overtake me. So, I don’t have that opportunity. I need to literally be as close as I can to don’t give him any more space than I can.’

“Well, I mean in that situation, it was one corner that we were side by side, but I really wish to race against him more and tell you.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Oliver Bearman from F1 stats to net worth

Could Ollie Bearman battle Max Verstappen for a championship one day?

After such an impressive rookie season, the Haas driver will be looking to build on that and have a successful campaign this year. Bearman says his racing career has prepared him for 2026, as he was used to changing cars and categories every season.

At this stage, with the pecking order set to change, it is not clear whether Haas will be in a position to fight with Verstappen and Red Bull. But Bearman knows how to race against the Dutchman, and come 2027, he could be doing it more often.

Rumours have been linking the young Brit to Ferrari in 2027, with many seeing him as Hamilton’s successor. Ralf Schumacher thinks Bearman could make a Ferrari ‘dream team’ when he replaces the seven-time champion.

Bearman has been told ‘nothing’ about joining Ferrari in 2027, but a move could definitely be on the cards if he continues to impress at Haas and Hamilton struggles with the new regulations.