F1 star Ollie Bearman confesses to failing his first driving test before gearing up for full F1 season

Britain’s latest Formula One sensation, Ollie Bearman, may have made a stunning debut on the F1 circuit, but his journey to the pinnacle of motorsport has not been without its quirks. The 19-year-old, who is set to race full-time with Haas for the upcoming season, recently revealed an amusing detail about his past—he failed his first driving test.

While speaking at F1’s 2025 launch event at London’s O2 Arena, Ollie Bearman humorously admitted that his overconfidence as a racer may have been his downfall in the test. "I passed second time and I shouldn't have said that," he joked, before explaining that his failure was due to a simple yet crucial road rule: stopping at a stop sign. "I didn't stop at a 'stop' sign. I didn't burn through, I slowed down and I was crawling but you are supposed to stop. We don't have 'stop' signs at a race track so that was my first sighting of a 'stop' sign."

Bearman, who drives an Alfa Romeo Tonale worth £40,000, admitted that his initial assumption—that his racing experience would be enough to clear the test without lessons—was a mistake. However, after a few much-needed lessons, he successfully earned his road driving license on his second attempt.
Bearman’s talent was thrust into the spotlight last year when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Despite having only one practice session, he qualified 11th and finished a remarkable seventh, ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes legend was full of praise for the young Brit, calling his performance "phenomenal" and hailing him as a "future star."
Following his impressive stint with Ferrari, Bearman was given further opportunities with Haas, and his steady performances have earned him a permanent seat for 2025 alongside Esteban Ocon. As he gears up for his first full season, Bearman remains eager to learn, acknowledging that despite his success, he still has much to experience in F1. "I would still consider myself a rookie. I am not officially a rookie but I think that is a bit harsh. There are still tracks that I have not been to and I have not done a full season in F1."
As the motorsport world anticipates Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari, Bearman—who is part of Ferrari’s young driver academy—will be watching closely. "Of course I will be watching Lewis," he said, adding that he wishes his compatriot success in what he considers an iconic career move.
Also Read: "I don’t know how I’m going to react": How Carlos Sainz plans to tackle his new F1 reality at Williams
With his natural talent, determination, and an exciting season ahead, Bearman is undoubtedly a rising force in Formula One, ready to carve his own legacy in the sport.