F1 has many appellations like the ‘pinnacle of motorsport’ and ‘game of the daredevils’. Not just the insane speed, but the preparations that go into making an F1 driver in unfathomable. Physical training and mental well-being are two major points in the development of a driver, and of course, the difference between F1 and F2 is also not just speed, but all these factors. And who other than Oliver Bearman can explain this better? 

The highly anticipated F1 debutant, Oliver Bearman filled in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian GP. The F2 driver hardly had an hour before running down from his track to the F1 paddock. As expected his preps weren’t up to the mark. However, he managed to perform well in FP3 and Qualifiers. When racing, mistakes in the simulator are easy to fix; on track, with high stakes, there’s no reset. “I had to learn everything- preparing for quali in one hour,” revealed Ollie. Meanwhile, his recent revelations about his fitness could bring beads of perspiration on Haas’ foreheads.

Bearman confessed he wasn’t physically ready for F1. “I knew after a few laps in FP that it was going to be a physical qualifying and a physical race.” Jeddah is a physically demanding track in motorsport. “I knew that I would struggle after one or two laps in FP3; with the neck, and even the legs moving around.” He added: “You have to be strong with the core with the back, it’s something that you know.” However, “I’m F2 fit and I don’t find that challenging but I wasn’t F1 fit and I probably still aren’t, but yeah it’s a big step and something I still need to get used to.”

Oliver Bearman’s honest confession must be concerning for Haas. The F2 star will be leading the team’s show from next year. And if he’s not physically ready for the sport, then this could be a massive challenge for Ayao Komatsu and Co. However, Ollie isn’t sitting idle, he knows how privileged he is to get an F1 seat. So, his preparations have already begun.

Oliver Bearman is pushing himself harder to achieve the fitness needed for F1

It goes without saying, F1 is a massive challenge. Especially in terms of fitness, it’s nothing less than combat training. A strong neck to resist the insane G-force, optimal weight to ensure you’re not too heavy to slow down the pace, and more goes into making an F1 driver. Oliver Bearman’s first-hand experience in Jeddah was challenging. And his revelation on physical strength and fitness is indeed concerning. But, if you want to become the next world champion, you’ve got to grind from Day 1. And Ollie is already doing his work.

“I don’t want to be turning up next year and have doubts if I’m going to hold on with my neck or something like that,” stated Oliver. This is because that’s energy taken away from focusing on the race, and the preparation he’d be putting into making the race successful will go to waste. The Haas-bound driver further added: “I’ve got eight months to make sure that I’m fully prepared…so I recently got into cycling and the neck training will go up tenfolds. I’m working hard on the simulator as well.” 

Oliver Bearman is aware of the situation and has already started with his training. His long-awaited formal debut as an F1 driver is finally here. So, there is an additional pressure on Ollie to do well. Should Haas be concerned? Yes, because he is joining the team. However, the F2 driver has faith in himself and will surely emerge glorious, don’t you think? Share your take in the comments.