F1 News: Former Driver Backs Ollie Bearman For Mercedes 2025 Seat - ‘Can Cope With High Pressure'

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Ollie Bearman has what it takes to drive for Mercedes in 2025.

Oliver Bearman - Ferrari / Ferrari Press Image

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert voiced his thoughts on who could replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Herbert nods towards Ollie Bearman as a potential candidate as well as Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.

Key Takeaways:

• Johnny Herbert suggests Ollie Bearman as a strong contender for Mercedes' 2025 seat, highlighting his ability to handle pressure.
• Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari opens up a coveted spot at Mercedes, sparking speculation about his successor.
• Carlos Sainz, replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari, and Ollie Bearman, the impressive Ferrari reserve, are in the mix for the Mercedes seat.

Oct 22, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport driver Lewis Hamilton (44) of / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The search for Lewis Hamilton's successor at Mercedes is heating up, with speculation rife about who will take over the reins from the seven-time world champion in 2025. Among the names being floated is Ollie Bearman, a young talent who has caught the eye of former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, as well as Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and now even four-time champion Sebastian Vettel.

The departure of Hamilton to Ferrari has left a void at Mercedes, a team he has been with since 2013. This move not only shook the F1 world but also set the stage for a reshuffling of seats. Sainz, who finds himself displaced by Hamilton's switch, is also in contention for the Mercedes seat. His track record speaks volumes, being the only driver outside the Red Bull camp to clinch a race win since George Russell's triumph at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Oliver Bearman - Ferrari / Ferrari Press Image

The spotlight, however, is also on Bearman, the Ferrari reserve driver who stepped up during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in place of an ailing Sainz. Bearman's debut was nothing short of impressive, securing a 7th place finish and bagging 6 points.

Herbert has thrown his weight behind Bearman, citing the youngster's exceptional performance under the intense pressure of his F1 debut with Ferrari. The former driver also sees Carlos Sainz as a great option for Mercedes. Herbert commented:

“Carlos Sainz would be one of the replacements Mercedes should look at. He is a solid, very reliable, intelligent driver who could fit in very well.

“But would they try to take on Ollie Bearman for example and throw him into a high-pressure situation like that? I would say yes. He has proven that he can cope with one of the highest pressure seats in F1, if not the highest, in the Ferrari and dealt with everything thrown at him.

“He would be a perfect fit. It would be brilliant to see.”

Thank you to Inclave Casino for setting up this interview.