Bearman excluded from list of Formula 1’s standout young talents

Despite a flying start to the season, with 17 points from the opening three races and seventh in the drivers’ standings, former Ferrari chief track engineer Luca Baldisserri has voiced some criticism of the young Haas driver.

Speaking on the podcast Terruzzi Racconta, the Italian engineer, who also led the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2010 to 2015 and therefore has extensive experience working with young talent, said he believes there are at least four drivers ahead of him, stating that in his view there are no more than four true talents in Formula 1 at the moment: Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto.

He then added: “For me (Bearman) put in some good performances, but I don’t see him as a driver with that level of ability. Bearman has never really won anything.

The British driver was involved in an heavy incident at Suzuka triggered by a significant closing-speed difference between his car and that of Franco Colapinto, which sent him hard into the barriers.

Speaking in the weeks that followed, Bearman said he had escaped without serious consequences, despite a difficult journey home due to limited mobility. He explained he had experienced some swelling in his knee, but no lasting issues, adding that it was manageable.

He added that he was quickly back to work, returning to the simulator just days later as he prepared for an endurance race with his brother over the same weekend.

He admitted the incident could have been far worse, expressing relief and stating he was already focused on getting back on track in Miami.