Ferrari Veteran Jock Clear Taps Oliver Bearman as Future World Champion

Ferrari veteran Jock Clear has declared that he sees no reason why Oliver Bearman can't become a future Formula 1 world champion. Citing the young Brit's raw speed, intelligence, and rapid learning curve, Clear's endorsement adds significant weight to Bearman's burgeoning reputation after an impressive rookie season where he consistently outperformed his experienced teammate.

Why it matters:

An endorsement from a figure like Jock Clear, who has worked with world champions throughout his long career, carries immense weight. It signals that Ferrari's senior management sees Bearman as a genuine long-term prospect, potentially shaping their future driver lineup and strategy as they aim to return to the top of the sport. This public vote of confidence puts Bearman firmly in the conversation for a future Ferrari seat.

The details:

• Clear's strong statement: 'I don't see any reason why Ollie won't become a world champion.' He noted that Bearman has 'met every challenge, and actually, he's done so against the odds,' silencing early doubters who didn't see him in the same tier as Max Verstappen.
• Bearman's rookie season stats were strong, scoring 41 points and regularly beating former race winner Esteban Ocon.
• Clear highlighted two key attributes: raw pace ('He is damn quick') and high intelligence.
• Despite a tough start in Melbourne, Bearman showed a remarkable ability to learn, with Clear noting his significant improvement by mid-season.
• His performance in Mexico, where he ran in podium contention for much of the race, was a clear highlight of his 2025 campaign.

What's next:

Bearman's immediate future likely involves another season honing his skills, potentially with Haas, before a potential move to Alfa Romeo Sauber, Ferrari's other junior team. The ultimate goal, however, is clear: a full-time race seat at Maranello. With this high-profile endorsement, the pressure is on for Bearman to continue his development and prove Clear right, positioning himself as the heir apparent to Ferrari's top drivers in the coming years.