'Silverstone has special place in my heart' - Bearman

Oliver Bearman has three top-10 finishes for the Haas F1 team in 2025

F1 driver Oliver Bearman says the British Grand Prix at Silverstone holds a special place in his heart.

The Northamptonshire circuit celebrates its official 75th anniversary of hosting the race this weekend.

The 20-year-old, who now races for Haas F1, attended his first GP as a schoolboy fan there in 2015.

"I remember the rain coming down in typical British fashion and spicing things up," Bearman told BBC Look East.

"I watched from the chicane in the rain. I also went in the Force India garage and saw the cars up close. So, it holds a special place in my heart for being my home GP, but also for being the first one I attended 10 years ago."

Bearman signed a multi-year agreement with the US-based Haas team after making his debut as a replacement for Ferrari last year when Carlos Sainz was stricken with appendicitis.

He was the third youngest driver to compete in F1 after Max Verstappen - now a four-time world champion - and Lance Stroll.

Oliver Bearman takes a corner in practice at Silverstone in 2024

Now in his first full season, Bearman says he cannot wait to experience the British GP as a driver.

"Silverstone has so many highlights, the qualifying especially given it is such a fast track. I am excited to go for the first time myself.

"I raced here in F2 last year. We were on track at 08:30 and the grandstands were full of fans. I imagine for F1 it will be insane, with support of the home crowd."

Bearman has claimed six points so far this season, with a best finish of eighth place in Shanghai.

And he is watching and learning from his fellow British drivers, seven-time champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, currently second in the drivers' standings, and George Russell, who won the last race in Montreal earlier this month.

"Lewis (Hamilton) is someone I have watched my entire life. I learnt about his mental strength and raw speed," said Bearman.

"This season has been a big journey and I have learnt a lot about myself and the team. It's a big physical challenge. The neck is the biggest thing to keep an eye on.

"Suzuka was a highlight so far, a high-speed track and gave me a lot of confidence.

"The British drivers have been doing really well, I am the worst, but the rest have been doing well.

"I am enjoying my time in F1, I am proud to represent my home country and hopefully we can have a great weekend."