Oliver Bearman has lauded Max Verstappen as his primary inspiration in the early stage of his Formula 1 career, branding him as “the best there’s ever been” in the sport.
The young Brit went toe-to-toe with the Dutchman for what was really the first time at last week’s Mexico City Grand Prix, the Brit eventually relenting to the Red Bull’s challenge.
Bearman later admitted to “s***ing myself” as Verstappen persisted in his charge against the Haas driver, who was eventually forced to give way.
But the 20-year-old completed a stunning race performance, finishing in fourth after a barnstorming display from ninth on the grid, earning him the fan-voted ‘Driver of the Day’ accolade.
Despite racking up a number of penalty points on his super licence, Bearman has shown his raw talent on a number of occasions this season, which initially began with his cameo appearances for the team last year, as well as his impromptu maiden Grand Prix with Ferrari in Jeddah.
It has left Bearman the centre of rumours that he may be targeted by the Italian marque, for which he is still a member of its academy ranks, to perhaps replace Lewis Hamilton in 2027.
A possible move to Maranello as one of its permanent drivers could enable him to joust with Verstappen on a more frequent basis, whom he lauded prior to their tussle at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, regarding the four-time World Champion as an inspiration to him.
“I think he’s the best there’s ever been in F1,” he told media including Motorsport Week during Thursday’s media day.
“Max is the guy I’m looking up to, because he’s the current reference for the most talented and the quickest.”
READ MORE – How Esteban Ocon helped Oliver Bearman to equal Haas’ best-ever F1 result at Mexico GP
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