British F1 history in the making at Mexican Grand Prix weekend

Formula 1's history with Britain goes back decades, with illustrious world champions such as Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton. Many records have been smashed over the years thanks to drivers from the UK. One will be added on the weekend of the Mexican Grand Prix: Oliver Bearman (18) will become the youngest Brit ever to be active during a Grand Prix weekend.

Recently, Bearman told GPblog: "My goal is to go to F1. I'm not in a rush. I'm young. We just have to wait and see. My goal in the meantime is to perform as well as I can on track. That makes my life easier when I come to negotiating anything. That's what I'm focusing on. F2 and driving as fast as I can." Yet that opportunity is there now. Bearman has been loaned to Haas by Ferrari (he is in their academy), for whom he will be in action during the first practice session on Friday. Later this season, Bearman will get a second opportunity when he will also be in action in Abu Dhabi.

Bearman sees dream come true

In Mexico, Bearman revealed that he is looking forward immensely to being the youngest Briton ever to take part in an official session in F1: "That’s a really exciting part of the test, being the youngest British driver on track in an F1 session. I’m for sure excited to fulfil my dream of driving a Formula 1 car because that’s what I grew up watching, and it will be amazing to be on track with these guys."

"It’s also a bit scary as I will be on track with people I grew up watching, like Lewis [Hamilton] and Fernando [Alonso] – I’ll try and stay out of their way! I think once you get on track and start driving, it’s business and usual. I’m really excited but also once I’m driving, I don’t think I’ll be thinking about it too much," said the youngster.