Bearman: Some really high moments but too many mistakes

Speaking at the FIA press conference ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, the Haas rookie and Ferrari protege Bearman recalled: “It was a nice break. It was fun. A lot of training to prepare for the second half of the season. It was also nice to spend time with my family and not think about racing for a few weeks.

"But quite quickly, I was bored with not being at the racetrack, and I'm happy to be back here in Zandvoort," admitted the 20-year-old, who is P10 with eight points to his name this season. Haas veteran teammate Esteban Ocon has 27 points and lies P10 in the 2025 F1 Drivers standings

Bearman has endured a run of near misses, with four consecutive 11th places before retiring in Hungary. Asked if that reflects the car’s level, he replied: “No. I think we couldn't do much more. Since Silverstone, we've had a really consistent run of results, consistently just outside of the points, which is a shame.

"On one side, it's easy to get frustrated by these results, but at the same time, to have four races where we were like that and very close to the points is also quite promising. It shows that we can be there, but we just need a bit of fine-tuning to make that final step.”

The Englishman admitted the jump from Formula 2 to Formula 1 has been intense: “The first half has been very intense – 14 races. Last year in Formula 2, that was a full season, and now we've done that before August.

"So, it's a big change compared to what I've been used to, but I think the break has come at a good time to help me reset, and I'm looking forward to the second half.

"There have been some really high moments, but too many mistakes. I think F1 is incredibly fun to drive. At this stage of F1, where we're right at the limit of the regulations – the last season of these regulations – the cars are very much on the limit.

"From one lap to the next, if the wind changes or you add a little bit of balance, it can go from being perfect to too much. But these cars are the most fun I've ever had driving," said Bearman, who is contesting his 18th Grand Prix this weekend.