Newly Signed Haas Driver Oliver Bearman Reveals F1 Race Number and Hamilton Connection
British GT News – Newly signed Haas Formula 1 driver Oliver Bearman has shared the story behind his choice of race number for the 2025 season, as well as the special connection he has with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
Bearman’s move to Haas was officially announced on Thursday, just ahead of his home British Grand Prix. The 18-year-old Ferrari junior driver will be making the step up to a full-time F1 seat after a one-off appearance for the Scuderia in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Choosing the #87 Race Number
One of the key decisions for any new F1 driver is selecting their permanent race number, and Bearman has opted for the #87 – a number he has raced with throughout his career. The significance behind this choice lies in Bearman’s family, as he explained:
“I’m going to use 87, that’s confirmed. It’s the number that I raced since the beginning and it’s the number that my dad raced with – because I’m born on the eighth of May, and my brother on the seventh of August.”
Rediscovering a Message from Hamilton
Reflecting on his journey to the pinnacle of motorsport, Bearman revealed that he recently rediscovered a special video message from none other than Lewis Hamilton, sent to him almost a decade ago:
“I was looking back, and I received a video from him in like, 2015, or 16, saying ‘keep pushing, hopefully you can make it to F1 one day’. And here I am,” the Briton said.
Excitement to Race Against F1 Icons
Bearman expressed his excitement at the prospect of sharing the grid with F1 icons like Hamilton and Fernando Alonso next season:
“It’s crazy to share the track with these guys who I watch racing. Even Fernando [Alonso], it’s something pretty special, and it’s a pinch-yourself moment, because these guys are, in my eyes, huge stars and someone that I look up to.”
The young driver’s F1 dreams are now set to become a reality, and the #87 he has carried throughout his career will be a constant reminder of his family’s role in his remarkable journey.
🔗 Source