Ollie Bearman, 19, lands ‘dream’ F1 seat for next season as he becomes the fourth British driver on the grid… after standing in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia

British teenager Ollie Bearman has been confirmed as a Formula 1 driver at Haas for next season.

The 19-year-old’s position was announced ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a boost for the sport following his excellent debut as Ferrari’s replacement for Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia in March.

He was called up at the last minute when the Spaniard suffered from appendicitis and finished seventh.

The Essex-born driver, who has been part of Ferrari’s Academy since 2021, will make his full-time debut in Melbourne in March next year, becoming the fourth Briton on the grid, alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and race winners Lando Norris and George Russell.

Bearman said: “It’s hard to put into words how much this means to me. When I say out loud that I’m going to be a Formula 1 driver for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, I get so incredibly proud.

Bearman started motorsports at the age of eight and achieved success on the karting circuit

The 19-year-old driver, who replaced Carlos Sainz this season in March, joins Lewis Hamilton (centre), George Russell (left) and Lando Norris as the fourth Briton on the grid.

Bearman celebrates next to Josep Maria Marti (right) after winning a Formula 2 race in Austria

“Being one of the few people who gets the chance to do what they dreamed of as a kid is truly incredible. To Gene (Haas, the owner), Ayao (Komatsu, team principal) and everyone at Haas, thank you for believing in me and trusting me to represent your team.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone since the first time we met in Mexico. I can’t wait to experience this moment with them and hopefully many more in the future.

‘To everyone at the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, quite simply, I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for preparing me since F4 for this incredible opportunity and know that I will give it my all.’

Mail Sport broke the news of Bearman’s Haas deal last month.

Bearman, who grew up in Chelmsford but lives in Italy, drives in the Formula 2 championship, where he finished sixth in his first season.

He won the 2021 Italian F4 Championship and the 2021 ADAC F4 Championship. He also competed in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship.

Gene Haas said: ‘I am pleased that we were able to give Oliver Bearman the opportunity to drive full-time in Formula 1.

Hamilton congratulated Bearman as he stepped out of his car after the race in Jeddah in March

Before he could fulfil his Formula 1 dream, the teenager had to convince his mother Terri (right) to abandon his private education at King Edward VI Grammar School.

The 19-year-old driver is said to be in a relationship with Estelle Oglivy, who has 72,000 followers on TikTok

‘He is undoubtedly a promising debutant, not only based on what he showed in Saudi Arabia, but also because of the time he has spent building his relationship with our team.

‘I’m excited to see how he develops as a driver and we look forward to seeing him perform for the Haas team next season and beyond.

“Oliver’s arrival demonstrates our continued investment in talent, both on and off the court, as we continue to compete at the highest level.”