No stop signs in F1 Bearman reveals failed driving test

LONDON - Haas Formula One rookie Oliver Bearman gave hope to learner drivers around the world on Tuesday after revealing he failed his test first time around.

The surprise setback occurred in 2022, before the 19-year-old Britons grand prix debut.

I did pass second time. I shouldnt have told that. I didnt stop at a stop sign, he explained to reporters ahead of Formula Ones unprecedented 10-team season launch at Londons 02 Arena.

I didnt blow it. I slowed down. I was crawling but youre meant to stop. We dont have those (signs) on race tracks.

Typical me, or typical racing driver, I thought I could pass my test without having lessons so thats probably where I went wrong. After that I took a few lessons before the second one.

Bearman will be starting his first full season in Australia on March 16 after an impressive debut as a stand-in for both Ferrari and Haas last year.

One of his rivals will be 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli, seven-times world champion Lewis Hamiltons replacement at Mercedes, who passed his driving test only in January.

I was quite nervous, Im not going to lie, Antonelli told Reuters separately on Tuesday, although he need not have worried.

After the test we also had a nice conversation because shes really passionate about the sport, he said of the examiner.

But in the test, you know, she was being like my examiner. No matter who I was, she wanted to see me respecting all the rules and everything... she said I did well. Just at the start, I was a bit too aggressive with the steering. REUTERS

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