Jack Doohan vs Oliver Bearman | The F1 Formula | The F1 Formula
Head-to-head · current grid
Jack Doohan vs Oliver Bearman
The head-to-head between Jack Doohan and Oliver Bearman pits two of Formula 1's most promising reserve drivers against each other, a battle of raw speed versus calculated consistency in their shared F2 careers.
current grid
alpine
haas
Career scorecard
Source: Jolpica F1 API
Metric
Jack Doohan
Oliver Bearman
World championships
0
0
Race wins
0
0
Podiums
0
0
Race starts
7
31
Career points
0
62
Seasons contested
2
3
First F1 season
2024
2024
The rivalry between Jack Doohan and Oliver Bearman in the junior categories, particularly Formula 2, has been a compelling narrative of contrasting styles: Doohan's explosive pace and Bearman's methodical ascent. Both are highly regarded within their respective F1 academies, Alpine and Ferrari, and both stand on the precipice of a full-time Formula 1 seat, though Bearman has already had a taste of the top tier.
Doohan, a year older, had a slightly earlier start in the Formula 2 ladder, making a partial debut in 2021 before completing two full seasons in 2022 and 2023 with Virtuosi Racing. Bearman joined the F2 grid in 2023 with Prema Racing, immediately establishing himself as a front-runner. While Doohan had the benefit of more experience in the championship, Bearman's rapid adaptation to the machinery and the format was a testament to his inherent talent. Their primary direct competition therefore falls within the 2023 season, where both were aiming for the championship title and, crucially, an F1 opportunity.
How they overlapped
The 2023 Formula 2 season was the crucible for their direct comparison. Doohan, entering his second full season, was expected to contend for the title. He delivered with three race wins and two pole positions, finishing fourth in the championship. Bearman, as a rookie, was immediately competitive, securing four race wins and three pole positions, ultimately finishing sixth. While Doohan outscored Bearman in the final standings, Bearman's rookie performance, particularly his ability to convert qualifying pace into multiple feature race victories, was remarkably strong. It highlighted a difference in their approach: Doohan often demonstrated blistering raw speed, while Bearman showcased exceptional race craft and consistency, particularly in managing tyres and executing overtakes.
On track
On track, Doohan's strength often lies in his qualifying prowess and ability to string together a dominant run when everything clicks. His three wins in 2022 and three in 2023, often from the front, underscore this. However, consistency across a full season and avoiding costly errors have sometimes been areas for development. Bearman, by contrast, has demonstrated a more measured approach. His four wins in his rookie F2 season, including a double win in Baku, showcased a driver who understands how to manage a race and extract maximum points. He might not always have the single-lap fireworks of Doohan, but his race pace and strategic thinking are often superior. This was evident in their 2023 season; while Doohan had moments of brilliance, Bearman's overall race day execution often put him in contention. The ultimate differentiator, however, came in early 2024 when Bearman made an unexpected and highly impressive Formula 1 debut for Ferrari at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, stepping in for Carlos Sainz. His performance, finishing seventh, immediately elevated his stock in a way Doohan has yet to replicate in a competitive F1 session.
Off track
Both drivers are products of strong junior programmes. Doohan is a long-standing member of the Alpine Academy, extensively involved in simulator work and F1 test drives, including multiple FP1 outings. His dedication to securing an F1 seat with Alpine is clear. Bearman, part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, has also had F1 test opportunities with Ferrari and Haas, culminating in his Saudi Arabian GP debut. This real-world F1 race experience gives Bearman a significant, albeit temporary, advantage in the current F1 narrative. Both are articulate and professional, representing their teams well, but Bearman's sudden thrust into the global spotlight has given him a unique platform.
What history says
History, in this nascent stage of their careers, suggests that while Doohan has a slightly longer and more decorated F2 career in terms of total wins and poles, Bearman's trajectory is steeper and his F1 debut has provided an undeniable boost. The path for young talents like these, and others such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli vs Liam Lawson, is fraught with competition. While Doohan has proven he can win races, Bearman has now proven he can perform under immense F1 pressure. The question is less about who is better inherently, and more about who will secure and then maximise their F1 opportunity. The landscape of F1 talent, with drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli vs Lando Norris showing what's possible, means every opportunity counts.
