Bearman’s breakthrough sparks Ferrari talk after Mexico masterclass

November 5, 2025 Oliver Obel

At just 20 years old, Bearman has been steadily building a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Formula 1. A member of Ferrari’s Driver Academy since 2021, the British rookie had already made a splash in 2024, stepping in for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

But his performance in Mexico, where he secured his best result to date, firmly placed him in the spotlight.

After crossing the finish line, Bearman was visibly moved. "I’m lost for words," he admitted, still taking in the significance of the achievement. It wasn’t just the position that impressed; it was the way he defended under pressure, particularly against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the final laps.

This performance clearly showed Bearman’s maturity, a driver capable of handling the intense pressure of F1 racing.

Brundle’s bold endorsement

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle had high praise for Bearman’s performance. On The F1 Show, Brundle didn’t hesitate to put the young Brit on Ferrari’s radar, suggesting that he has all the qualities needed to make the jump to one of the sport’s most prestigious teams.

“Absolutely outstanding,” Brundle said. “If you give that young man an opportunity, he’ll grab it, like he did in Saudi with the Ferrari drive.”

Brundle’s endorsement wasn’t just about Bearman’s speed but also his racecraft. The way he handled high-pressure moments, particularly when overtaking Max Verstappen, showed his ability to make key decisions under pressure. Brundle emphasized that whenever a seat becomes available at Ferrari, Bearman should be the one to take it.

Learning from the best

While Ferrari’s current drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, are signed until 2026, the technical overhaul of the sport in 2026 could create opportunities for young talent like Bearman. With regulation changes on the horizon, some believe that the grid will be reshuffled, and Bearman is primed to take advantage.

Bearman’s performance in the 2025 season has been consistently strong. Against his veteran teammate, Esteban Ocon, Bearman has an 11-9 edge in both qualifying and race results. Considering Ocon’s decade of experience, this is a clear sign of Bearman’s growth and potential.

Villeneuve’s verdict

1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has also been impressed by Bearman’s growth. Villeneuve noted how Bearman has navigated the ups and downs of the season, starting strong, hitting a dip, and then recovering with impressive resilience.

Villeneuve was particularly impressed by Bearman’s handling of pressure, especially in Mexico. His smart overtakes, particularly when passing Verstappen, showcased Bearman’s growing awareness and racecraft.

Villeneuve praised his ability to be aggressive but always in control—something that stands out in a driver so early in his career.

Sources: Sky Sports F1, The F1 Show, Reuters, BBC, AP.