Brutal side of motorsport uncovered: "Loneliness is a real thing in sport"
F1 News
Oliver Bearman will be able to call himself a full-time Formula 1 driver when the 2025 Formula 1 season gets underway. The young British driver got a taste of it in 2024 but gets to try the full calendar in 2025. In an emotional reflection, Bearman looked back at the sacrifices he made which uncover the ruthless journey it takes to become a Formula 1 driver.
On the face of it, it seems like a nice childhood. Travelling the world, taking part in your hobby and competing against the best in your age group. But all is not what it seems. Bearman moved to Italy at a young age. So much so that it can be detected in his accent. He became part of the Ferrari Academy at 16. That was just the start of an advanced journey to Formula 1.
What does it take to be an F1 driver?
"In the early days, it's the little things like missing out on times with your friends at the weekend. In karting we were doing 40-45 race weekends per year. There were some late nights, and I'd go to school on little sleep," Bearman said on the High Performance Podcast before highlighting how that was insignificant compared to what was to come as four years ago, he raced abroad and left his family and friends at home.
"I missed them very much. I questioned how much I wanted it. How much sacrifice is needed? It was really difficult. At some stages, there was no light at the end of the tunnel. That was hard to stay motivated. Loneliness is a real thing at top-level sport. We have such busy schedules that people can't be with us. Now the light is there at the end of the tunnel and I thank my younger self for sticking with it," Bearman said. The 19-year-old will race for Haas in the 2025 season alongside Esteban Ocon.