Bearman calls Antonelli's maiden F1 win 'very special'

Ollie Bearman has described watching former Formula 2 teammate Kimi Antonelli secure his first Formula 1 victory as "very special," saying it gives him confidence that he can achieve the same feat. The Haas driver, who is currently fifth in the 2026 standings, highlighted their friendly rivalry and Antonelli's standout performance in China as a benchmark for his own aspirations.

Why it matters:

The camaraderie and mutual respect between young drivers who have risen through the ranks together offers a unique perspective on the competitive landscape. Bearman's reaction underscores how a peer's success can serve as a powerful motivator and a tangible proof point of what is possible, shaping the mindset of the next generation of F1 talent.

The details:

• Bearman and Antonelli, former teammates in Formula 2, maintain a friendly relationship, though their busy F1 schedules limit their in-person interactions to events like the drivers' parade or airport encounters.
• Following Antonelli's win at the Chinese Grand Prix, the pair exchanged congratulatory messages.
• Bearman praised Antonelli's "incredible weekend" in Shanghai, where he also challenged George Russell, suggesting an "interesting season" ahead between the Mercedes teammates.
• Reflecting on their battles in F2, Bearman stated he believes they operate at a "similar level," making Antonelli's breakthrough a source of personal confidence for his own future.
• While celebrating his friend's achievement, Bearman is having a strong debut season with Haas, having already scored 17 points.

What's next:

The 2026 season continues to unfold with this new wave of talent. Bearman will look to translate the confidence gained from his peer's success into his own maiden podium and ultimately a race win with Haas. The evolving dynamic between Antonelli and Russell at Mercedes, noted by Bearman, will be a key subplot to watch as the championship progresses.