Kimi Antonelli’s first Formula 1 victory at the Chinese GP had an impact beyond the on-track result. For Oliver Bearman, the triumph of his former Formula 2 teammate reinforced his belief that he too can reach the top of the category.
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The Mercedes driver secured his first victory in Shanghai, and the result caught Bearman’s attention, who followed the Italian’s performance. The Haas driver highlighted the significance of the moment, especially because of the relationship built between the two throughout the junior categories.
In an interview with Sky Sports F1, with former F1 driver Jenson Button, Bearman stated that he spoke with the Italian after the race: “We exchanged messages after the race,” he said. According to him, there was no personal meeting because Antonelli was busy with commitments following the victory.
Bearman also highlighted the long relationship between the two, since they were teammates in F2: “We’ve known each other since the junior categories. We were teammates in Formula 2 and we have a great relationship whenever we see each other,” he said. The British driver also commented that meetings have been rare, limited to moments like the driver parade before GPs or on some trips.
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The Haas driver praised Antonelli’s performance over the victory weekend: “It was very special to see Kimi win. He had an incredible weekend. It’s very cool, very cool indeed. And he also competed with George (Russell) that weekend. It’s going to be a very interesting season between the two,” he said.
Bearman also highlighted the Italian’s talent and explained how the result motivated him personally: “I know Kimi is incredibly talented, so it makes me happy to see that. We had some very good battles during my year in Formula 2. I know we’re at a similar level in what we can achieve, and Kimi won an F1 GP. That gives me confidence that, I hope, one day I can do the same too,” concluded the Haas driver.
While Antonelli celebrated his first Formula 1 triumph, Bearman is also experiencing a consistent start to the 2026 season. The British driver currently occupies fifth position in the drivers’ championship, accumulating seventeen points after the first two races of the year.
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