British teenager Ollie Bearman to race for Haas in 2025

The 19-year-old, who impressed as a last-minute replacement for Ferrari's Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March, joins Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and George Russell on the F1 grid next year.

Bearman's multi-season deal with the American team – Ferrari's successful B team – was confirmed on the eve of the drivers' home event at Silverstone.

“It’s hard to put into words what this means to me,” Bearman said. “To say out loud that I will be a Formula 1 driver for Haas makes me immensely proud.

“To be one of the few people who can do what they dreamed of as a child is something truly incredible.”

Bearman, currently a reserve driver for Haas, became the youngest British driver in F1 history with his debut in Saudi Arabia replacing Sainz, who was ruled out with appendicitis.

Bearman qualified 11th, then made up four places in the race to finish seventh, two positions ahead of seven-time world champion Hamilton.

Hamilton applauded Bearman as he passed him after the chequered flag, then waited by his Ferrari to embrace him.

After the race, Hamilton, 39, described Bearman's performance as “phenomenal” and that of a “future star”. Bearman took his first win of the Formula 2 season in Austria last weekend. The F2 championship serves as a prelude to F1.

Haas team owner Gene Haas said: “I am pleased that we have been able to give Oliver Bearman this opportunity to drive full-time in Formula 1. He is undoubtedly an exciting rookie prospect, not only because of what he has shown in Saudi Arabia, but also because of the time he has spent developing his relationship with our team.

“I am personally excited to see him develop as a driver, and we look forward to seeing him succeed for Haas next season and beyond. It’s an exciting time for the team.”

Raised in Chelmsford and educated at King Edward VI Grammar, Bearman moved to Italy after joining Ferrari's driving academy, aged just 16.

After four wins in his debut F2 season last year, Bearman made his first test outing at a Grand Prix weekend in Mexico City in October before his impressive debut for Ferrari in Jeddah.

Bearman will replace Nico Hulkenberg, who is joining Sauber, at Haas. The identity of his teammate is not yet known. Kevin Magnussen's contract expires at the end of the season. Haas is seventh out of ten in the constructors' standings.