Oliver Bearman thought he’d be facing Formula 1’s pressure cooker all alone next year. For months, the 19-year-old Brit was the only confirmed rookie for the 2025 season.
That changed in a big way.
By the time 2024 wrapped up, four other newcomers had joined him on the grid, and Bearman couldn’t be more relieved.
“For a few months, I was the only rookie on the grid. And that’s a bit of a daunting prospect,” he told Autosport.
F1 isn’t exactly rookie-friendly these days. Drivers face a grueling 24-race calendar, with zero room for rookie mistakes and constant pressure to perform at the highest level.
But Bearman’s already shown he can handle the heat. When Carlos Sainz fell ill at this year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bearman jumped into the Ferrari with barely any practice time. He didn’t just survive – he thrived, finishing an impressive 7th place ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
“Knowing that there are other rookies is of course a little comforting,” Bearman said. “There are other people doing through a new season and a new challenge with me, which is of course a nice feeling.”
He’ll be watching one rookie particularly closely. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, his former teammate at Prema, is making the leap straight to Mercedes. The two became friends during their time together last season, setting up what could be an fascinating rivalry between the Haas and Mercedes newcomers.
The other fresh faces joining the grid include Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto.
For Bearman, what started as a lonely journey has turned into something much more exciting – a proper rookie battle for 2025.
