Naomi Schiff on Ferrari’s key contribution in Oliver Bearman F1 seat with Haas. Naomi Schiff on Oliver Bearman's F1 debut.

Naomi Schiff believes that Oliver Bearman was “incredibly lucky” to have had the opportunity with Ferrari this year; otherwise, with his F2 results, he would not have become an F1 driver with Haas.

Oliver Bearman will make his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2025, with Esteban Ocon as his teammate. The two will form an entirely new driver lineup for the American team.

The young Briton surprised everyone at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when he was called up to replace an unwell Carlos Sainz in Ferrari. After qualifying eleventh, the 2005-born driver finished in seventh place at the checkered flag.

In Formula 2, he is currently fifteenth in the drivers’ standings, with only one sprint race win in Austria. He’s doing better in Formula 1, where he is currently fourteenth, thanks to the six points he earned in Jeddah.

Commentator Naomi Schiff believes that Oliver Bearman was “incredibly lucky” to have had the opportunity with Ferrari; otherwise, based on his results, it’s unlikely that Haas would have taken him.

“I think he was incredibly lucky,” said the former driver on Sky F1. “Obviously, he had shown potential, and that’s why he was the perfect candidate for Ferrari. But he was incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity in Saudi Arabia to really show what he’s capable of. Based on his results in Formula Two this year, he probably wouldn’t have been a candidate for F1.”

Oliver Bearman will have another chance to prove himself on track with Haas. As stipulated by the regulations, the driver will take the wheel of the VF-24 for six free practice sessions this year. “I think he’ll come into Formula One quite prepared,” Naomi Schiff continued.

“Not many drivers get to come here and experience real action on many occasions.” – the Sky commentator concluded.