Ollie Bearman opens up on Lewis Hamilton’s message after Ferrari F1 debut

Haas Formula 1 driver Ollie Bearman has revealed that Lewis Hamilton was one of the first people to reach out to the Briton after he made his F1 debut with Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

Bearman was brought in at the last minute to stand in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari for the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after the Spanish driver was taken ill with appendicitis. He impressed on his debut, qualifying 11th and finishing in seventh place.

"Well it's really cool because Lewis was actually one of the first people in Jeddah to text me, to come up to me after the race, and show his character and his genuine trait," Bearman explained during an appearance on the Up To Speed podcast.

The 20-year-old driver went on to discuss the support he has had from the seven-time champion. 

"Obviously, we're at two very different stages of our careers. I'm starting out and really hungry and wanting to achieve as much as I possibly can. Lewis has achieved so much, and I still think he's incredibly hungry, having missed out obviously in that title, but I mean the most successful driver in the history of F1.

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images

"It's first of all really cool to share the grid with him, to see him performing at such a high level at his age, is a really motivating thing as well. To see his hunger and the fact that he comes back year after year, and I think everyone can agree he's in the top five, top three drivers. 

"It's really, really special and the support and love that he gives to the younger generation also shows his character as well."

Bearman went on to secure a full-time seat with Haas for 2025. He outperformed his experienced team-mate Esteban Ocon in his rookie season and has continued his strong streak into 2026. He currently sits seventh in the drivers' standings with 17 points. In comparison, Ocon sits 15th with one point after the first three rounds.