Oliver Bearman has spoken openly about how the kind reception from Lewis Hamilton has meant a lot as he has embarked on his rookie Formula 1 season.
Being a newcomer in F1 comes with immense pressure and expectation. Some drivers crack under the weight of those expectations, while others thrive.
Bearman has been one of the wave of rookies to enter the sport in 2025, accompanied by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson.
The slew of rookies has created a new dynamic between them and the experienced drivers, who, in the past, have given a cold shoulder to up-and-coming talents.
However, Bearman told the media, including Motorsport Week, about how drivers, particularly Hamilton, have been open and kind to the current crop of debutants.
“He’s been one of the kindest and most forthcoming drivers on the grid,” Bearman expressed.
The Briton went on to recall how he remembered Hamilton’s openness from the moment he made his debut with Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
“I remember after my first race, he was incredibly kind, and we sometimes catch up on the parade laps and stuff like that and always really kind and approachable,” he continued.
“Really kind of a good model for young drivers to look up to.”
For Bearman, he noted how the forthcoming attitude from Hamilton made the jump onto the massive stage that is F1 more welcoming.
“This is the type of guy that you should be because I can imagine coming into this sport and these guys who are at the top of the sport being unapproachable, that would make it really difficult to settle into Formula 1, and that’s not been the case at all,” he added.
Antonelli on Hamilton’s help
Kimi Antonelli echoed Hamilton’s words. The Italian grew up in the Mercedes stable and had the chance to observe Hamilton up close prior to replacing the Briton.
He was asked about the help from other drivers on the grid and name-dropped reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen as someone that he tends to go to for advice.
“I go to Max, to Lewis, a bit to everyone,” he addressed.
“It’s good to have a chat with everyone because in the end, all the other drivers are extremely good.
“And it’s good to sometimes share some thoughts and hear their opinion because it’s always a good way to learn as well from someone.”
Antonelli, who has endured a challenging maiden campaign, explained that getting experience and advice from multiple sources has helped him grow as a driver.
“So I always try to have some advice. Because I think, especially in my first year, it’s very important to gather as much information,” he highlighted.
“Of course, I need to understand which ones are important for me and which ones are not.
“But of course, it’s always good to hear someone else’s opinion in order to see the difference between the two.”
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