Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari was probably the most iconic moments of the winter season, along with his first day at Maranello producing probably the most preferred picture in Method 1 historical past on Instagram. For Oliver Bearman, a younger expertise of the Ferrari Driver Academy and now a Haas driver for the 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello was a unprecedented occasion, vastly totally different from his personal first expertise with the Prancing Horse.
When Hamilton walked by way of Ferrari’s gates in January, he was welcomed with nice enthusiasm. Wearing a sublime black go well with and an extended coat, the seven-time world champion was photographed in entrance of Enzo Ferrari’s historic home, subsequent to his favourite supercar, the Ferrari F40.
Ollie Bearman: “I Can’t Think about What Hamilton Felt”
Throughout that day, Hamilton shook a whole bunch of arms, introducing himself to the women and men of the Scuderia who shall be liable for offering him with a aggressive automotive to chase his eighth world title. For Oliver Bearman, becoming a member of Ferrari was a totally totally different expertise.
The British driver, who will make his Method 1 debut with Haas this yr, shared his first impressions: “I spent lots of time there. I didn’t shake everybody’s hand—I don’t race for them in Method 1.” Talking in regards to the manufacturing unit’s measurement, Oliver Bearman added: “It’s an enormous, unimaginable facility. I can solely think about Hamilton had a really lengthy day.”
Reflecting on his first day at Maranello, he recalled: “On my first day, I used to be only a 15-year-old F4 driver. Strolling into an F1 manufacturing unit for the primary time was loopy. I used to be impressed by the dimensions of the operation and the variety of individuals.”
Oliver Bearman Following in Hamilton’s Footsteps
Oliver Bearman already received a style of Method 1 final yr, stepping in for Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia attributable to an appendectomy and later racing for Haas in Azerbaijan and São Paulo. The younger Brit has clear targets for the longer term, whereas acknowledging Lewis Hamilton’s greatness: “Nobody has ever emulated Lewis, so I don’t count on to, as a result of nobody has managed to.”
Nevertheless, his ambition stays sturdy: “My dream is to develop into world champion, and that’s what will get me away from bed each morning.” Whereas centered on his new Ferrari journey, Lewis Hamilton has been approachable with the Ferrari junior, having shared the grid with him thrice final yr.
“Each time I see him, he’s at all times tremendous form and obtainable. It’s nice to share experiences with him. In fact, he has lots of expertise, however he’s merely a improbable particular person, and I get pleasure from speaking to him.” Whereas there hasn’t been a significant alternate of technical recommendation, Oliver Bearman has nonetheless appreciated Hamilton’s constructive angle towards younger drivers: “There hasn’t been an enormous alternate of recommendation, however he simply instructed me, ‘Go for it.’”
The younger Brit concluded by emphasizing how necessary it’s to have a Method 1 icon supporting the brand new technology of drivers: “Hamilton is at all times very supportive of all of the rookies, and it’s a very constructive feeling.”
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