Guenther Steiner, the former Team Principal of the Haas Formula 1 team, recently declared Oliver Bearman as the prospective "best rookie" for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast following Bearman’s impressive fourth-place finish at the Mexico Grand Prix, Steiner attributed part of Bearman’s success to his early involvement in the Haas program. "I have to say it because I signed him up in ’23, you know," Steiner stated humorously, adding, "Genius signing."

Bearman’s stellar performance at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where he secured a fourth-place finish for Haas, marked a significant milestone for both the young driver and the team. Steiner, known for his candid remarks, also quipped that Bearman might already be winning races if he had remained at the helm of the American outfit. "Can you imagine if I were still there, he would be winning races now, you know," he remarked, underscoring his confidence in Bearman’s talent.

The Mexico Grand Prix saw Bearman demonstrate a notable level of maturity and control. Steiner highlighted the driver’s ability to maintain composure throughout the race weekend, especially during qualifying. This composure was a key differentiator, as Steiner noted that Bearman had previously committed "proper rookie mistakes" in his career, which had contributed to a significant accumulation of penalty points. At one stage, Bearman was only two points away from receiving a race ban. However, his execution in Mexico was flawless. "In the moment, what he showed in Mexico was very good. I mean, he kept it cool, qualified good… In Mexico he didn’t put a foot wrong. It was perfect. What more can you do?" Steiner elaborated.

Steiner expressed his satisfaction with Bearman’s performance, as well as for the majority of the Haas team. While acknowledging some underlying tensions with former colleagues, his primary sentiment was one of pride for the young driver and those who contributed to the team’s strong showing in Mexico. He noted that the team had a competitive car at the specific circuit, which Bearman capitalized on effectively.

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Bearman’s race in Mexico was a display of calculated aggression and defensive driving. He managed to run as high as third position for a significant period before eventually being overtaken by the Red Bull of Max Verstappen, who went on to win the race. His tenacity and strong performance were recognized by fans, earning him the coveted Driver of the Day award. The fourth-place finish was particularly significant for Haas, as it equaled the team’s best-ever result in Formula 1, previously achieved by Romain Grosjean at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix.

The British driver’s impressive outings have culminated in his official confirmation to join Haas full-time for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Bearman, currently serving as a reserve driver for both Haas and Ferrari, will take over the seat vacated by Nico Hülkenberg, who is set to move to the Sauber team ahead of its transition to Audi. Bearman will partner with seasoned driver Kevin Magnussen in the upcoming season.

Bearman’s journey to a full-time F1 seat has been marked by a rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks and an unexpected, high-profile Formula 1 debut. He made his Grand Prix debut at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, stepping in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari after the Spaniard was diagnosed with appendicitis. With minimal preparation time, Bearman delivered an exceptional performance, finishing seventh and scoring six points for the Scuderia. This debut, in a top-tier car under immense pressure, immediately showcased his potential to the wider F1 paddock.

His junior career provides a solid foundation for his F1 aspirations. Bearman has been a member of the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021. He quickly rose through the ranks, securing championship titles in both the ADAC Formula 4 and Italian Formula 4 championships in 2021. In 2022, he competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, finishing third in the standings. His transition to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2023 saw him secure four race victories and finish sixth overall in his rookie season. He continued to compete in F2 in 2024, adding further race wins to his tally and demonstrating consistent development.

The Haas F1 Team, founded by Gene Haas, entered the sport in 2016. The team achieved its best constructors’ championship finish of fifth in 2018. However, subsequent seasons have been characterized by struggles for consistent points and often placing towards the rear of the grid. For instance, in the 2023 season, Haas finished tenth and last in the constructors’ standings with only 12 points. The 2024 season has seen marginal improvements, but the team continues to operate in the lower midfield.

Against this backdrop, Bearman’s fourth-place finish in Mexico takes on added significance. It represents a rare highlight for the team in recent years and provides a tangible demonstration of their potential when conditions align. Such a result can be a crucial morale booster for the team and offers a glimpse into the capabilities that Bearman will bring as a full-time driver in 2025, especially with the introduction of new technical regulations.

Steiner’s comments underscore his consistent belief in Bearman’s capabilities, dating back to his initial involvement with the young driver. His decision to integrate Bearman into the Haas program for Free Practice One (FP1) sessions in 2023 was instrumental in providing the young Briton with crucial Formula 1 experience. These sessions allowed Bearman to adapt to the machinery and demands of an F1 car, laying the groundwork for his subsequent successes and his eventual full-time promotion.

Steiner’s declaration of Bearman as the "best rookie" for 2025 also places him in a broader context within the sport. While Bearman already possesses some F1 race experience, the term "rookie" traditionally applies to a driver’s first full season. Other potential candidates for strong rookie performances in 2025 include talents like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is strongly linked with a Mercedes seat, or Liam Lawson, a highly-rated reserve driver for Red Bull and RB who has also made impressive F1 stand-in appearances. Steiner’s strong endorsement, based on Bearman’s demonstrated F1 performance and clean race in Mexico, positions him as a leading contender even among such a talented pool.

The road ahead for Bearman will involve navigating the pressures and expectations that come with a full-time Formula 1 drive. The learning curve over a full season, adapting to various circuits, and managing the demands of consistent performance will be key challenges. However, his strong performances to date, particularly in high-pressure situations, suggest he possesses the temperament and skill set to establish himself as a long-term prospect in Formula 1. Steiner’s continued keen observation of the sport and his former team serves as a testament to Bearman’s talent and the foundational work that has propelled him to this pivotal stage in his career. The anticipation for Bearman’s impact in the upcoming 2025 season remains high.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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