Bearman reveals Hamilton's immediate support after stunning Ferrari debut

Haas driver Ollie Bearman has shared that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was among the first to personally congratulate him following his impressive last-minute Formula 1 debut with Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The gesture highlights the sportsmanship within the F1 paddock and the respect earned by the young Briton, who has since secured a full-time seat and is outperforming his experienced teammate at Haas in the 2026 season.

Why it matters:

In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, where competition is fierce, genuine mentorship and support between drivers across generations are rare and significant. Hamilton's action underscores his role as an ambassador for the sport and provides a powerful morale boost for a rookie navigating the pinnacle of motorsport. For Bearman, this recognition from the most successful driver in F1 history validates his talent and potential on the global stage.

The details:

• Bearman was thrust into the spotlight at the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP, replacing an ill Carlos Sainz at Ferrari. He qualified 11th and finished an impressive 7th, scoring points on his debut.
• Following the race, Hamilton proactively sent him a text message and approached him in person in Jeddah. Bearman described this as showing Hamilton's "genuine trait" and character.
• The young driver expressed admiration for Hamilton's sustained hunger and performance level, calling it "really motivating" to share the grid with him.
• Bearman's performance earned him a 2025 Haas seat, where he has continued to excel. In the current 2026 season, he holds 7th in the Drivers' Championship with 17 points, significantly ahead of teammate Esteban Ocon, who sits 15th with just 1 point.

What's next:

Bearman's trajectory from a celebrated one-off debutant to a consistent points-scorer for Haas marks him as one of F1's most promising talents. The early endorsement from a legend like Hamilton adds considerable weight to his growing reputation. As he gains more experience, the focus will be on whether he can develop into a future championship contender and potentially secure a return to a top team, fulfilling the potential he first displayed with Ferrari.