F1 star Ollie Bearman, 19, reveals how he FAILED his driving test as he gears up for first full season on grid
HAAS rookie Ollie Bearman FAILED his driving test on the first attempt – despite being an F2 racer at the time.
The 19-year-old burst onto the Formula One scene last year when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Sainz was forced to withdraw from the event after being diagnosed with appendicitis and undergoing surgery.
In replacing the Spaniard, Bearman became the youngest-ever driver to compete for Ferrari.
He qualified in 11th but managed to earn points in the race by finishing seventh.
Just four months after his F1 debut, the teenager earned a permanent seat with Haas and signed a multi-year contract.
He is now gearing up for his first full season on the grid.
Ahead of the 2025 launch event at the 02 Arena in London, Bearman was questioned about his driving test.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft – also known as Crofty – asked him if he had passed.
The Haas star responded: “Luckily I passed it a few years ago since you can pass at 17 here, not 18, like in Italy, I did pass second time.”
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Crofty then went on to ask why he failed, to which Bearman replied: “I didn’t stop at a stop sign.
“But I didn’t blow it. I slowed down, but you know, like I was crawling, but you’re meant to stop.”
Bearman will partner Esteban Ocon for Haas this season.
Both will be in attendance at F1’s launch event on Tuesday evening.