Oliver Bearman: Getting to know the Haas driver

      This year the official Formula 1 website is publishing a series of interviews with young drivers in which they talk about themselves. Today the subject of such an interview is Haas driver Oliver Bearman.

      Question: Can you describe yourself in three words? Oliver Bearman: Hopefully quick! Determined and kind.

      Question: What made you fall in love with Formula 1? Oliver Bearman: I remember, even before I started karting, going to my dad David’s races. He raced at club level in the UK. I immediately loved the smell of rubber and fuel. That’s when I realised this was what I wanted to do.

      Question: What level did your father reach in racing? Oliver Bearman: He raced sports cars in the UK but didn’t achieve anything remarkable. Unfortunately he couldn’t afford anything more. I must have been five or six at the time. I remember going to races with my mum and she used to get very nervous watching him! But I loved the sound, smell and speed of the cars. That’s where it all began for me.

      Question: When and where did you first sit behind the wheel? Oliver Bearman: I think you’d better check that with my parents. As far as I remember, I was six and it was at Buckmore Park. I was just learning to drive a kart and kept stopping on the track and one guy kept crashing into me from behind. That’s the only thing I remember from that day! I learnt to stop, but the guy behind me certainly didn’t… he used my bumper as a brake.

      Question: How many attempts did it take you to pass your driving test? Oliver Bearman: I didn’t pass my driving test first time. Basically, this happened… I’m a bit embarrassed to say it, but you know the “Stop” sign? You’re supposed to stop at it. And I still say I stopped, but the examiner seemed to think I was rolling, so he didn’t count it. The road was on a slope, I stopped the car and then slowly moved off.

      And I failed on two other points. You know those painted lines you’re not supposed to drive over? It turns out you can drive over them if you’re turning right, and that was a specific rule I didn’t know! I thought I was too good to take driving lessons and went straight to the test.

      Question: But you passed on the second try? Oliver Bearman: Of course I passed second time, but I’m still a bit embarrassed about that story.

      Question: Who is your best friend in the Formula 1 paddock? Oliver Bearman (laughs): I’ll say Gabi Bortoleto. We live close, see each other a lot and spend a lot of time together. He’s a great guy. We fight on track and laugh off it outside.

      Question: You’ll be pleased to know he named you too. Oliver Bearman: Really? Ha!

      Question: You and Max Verstappen... Oliver Bearman: Okay, I’ll take that on board!

      Question: Which three people from the world of Formula 1, past or present, would you invite to dinner, and who would they be? Oliver Bearman: Probably Ayrton Senna. He’s someone I really admire. I’m sorry I never got to see any of his races. And Michael Schumacher. His success at Ferrari seemed incredible, and his hard work and passion for the sport are admirable.

      I would have said Lewis Hamilton, but I can talk to him any time I want, so for the third I’d pick someone like Giuseppe Farina. Someone who raced in Formula 1 at the very beginning, just to find out what he went through.

      Question: What has been your best holiday? Oliver Bearman: I haven’t had it yet, but at the end of the year I’ll be flying to the Maldives. I think that will be the best.

      At the end of last year I went to Japan for a few days. It was just me, my mum and my girlfriend, and it was really, really fun. It was very cold, but fun, and we had a great time.

      Question: The Maldives sounds wonderful… Oliver Bearman: Yeah, sounds a lot warmer!

      Question: Which song would you sing at karaoke? Oliver Bearman: Probably Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.

      Question: What’s your favourite film and TV series? I guess you have time to watch something on the plane. Oliver Bearman: Yes, I do watch a lot. Favourite film? F1 with Brad Pitt.

      Question: Very good answer! Oliver Bearman: I also really like Top Gun. The Shawshank Redemption is also a great film. I can’t think of any more right now. I’m currently rewatching Suits for the third time. I also really liked Breaking Bad and Prison Break. Those are three great series.

      Question: What’s the strangest gift you’ve received from fans? Oliver Bearman: When I was first given a teddy bear I was a bit confused, then realised it was because of my surname. I wouldn’t say it was a strange gift. My fans are incredibly thoughtful and kind, and they always give great presents. I have a big collection at home!

      Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Oliver Bearman: If you turn it left you loosen the thread, if to the right you tighten it. It’s always important to work with bolts properly.

      Question: If you could try a different profession for one day, what would you choose? Oliver Bearman: You know, I’d like to be a footballer. Or a cyclist. I try to ride a bike but I’m not very good at it.

      I want to one day learn to ride like a professional and make them suffer. Right now, when I ride with good cyclists I just die in the saddle and they talk to me like they’re sitting in armchairs, and it’s very embarrassing. I want that too.

      Question: Which moment in Formula 1 are you most proud of? Oliver Bearman: There have been a few. Of course, I was very pleased with my debut in Saudi Arabia last year. But this year we’ve had a few good races too.

      The Bahrain weekend was great. I started at the back and managed to score points. There were a few other races after which I felt I performed well but didn’t achieve anything outstanding. For example, in Monaco or Imola.

      The performance in Saudi Arabia is definitely my best moment in racing to date, but I hope there will be something even bigger.

      Question: Where do you see yourself in five years? Oliver Bearman: To be honest, I hope I’ll be fighting for the title. I hope I can prove I deserve to be in Formula 1, that I’ll be racing for a leading team, giving everything and showing what I’m capable of. That’s my goal for the next five years!