Thomas Bearman, born on 7 August 2009 in Chelmsford, Essex, is one of the most promising young names emerging from the British motorsport scene. At just a teenager, he has already carved a place for himself among the rising stars of single-seater racing. Coming from a family deeply connected to the racing world, Thomas is the younger brother of Oliver “Ollie” Bearman, the highly acclaimed Formula 1 driver. While Ollie’s achievements have captured global attention, Thomas is building his own racing legacy with determination, skill, and an unwavering desire to succeed.
From an early age, Thomas was surrounded by the sounds of engines, the atmosphere of race tracks, and the competitive spirit of motorsport. Watching his older brother race not only inspired him but also gave him valuable insight into the discipline, training, and mindset required to excel at the highest levels. His natural passion for speed, coupled with the guidance of a successful sibling, gave him a solid foundation to begin his racing career.
Entry into Karting
Thomas began karting at the age of eight, a common starting point for many professional drivers. His early years were spent competing in the British Karting Championships, where he participated in multiple categories such as Junior Rotax, UKC Junior Rotax, and the RMC Euro Trophy. These experiences not only honed his driving skills but also developed his understanding of racecraft, track positioning, and overtaking strategies.
In karting, Thomas showcased a competitive spirit and an ability to adapt to different track conditions. While he did not collect major championship titles during this stage, his consistent top-ten finishes reflected a driver with potential to progress into higher levels of motorsport. His karting journey laid the technical and mental groundwork needed for the demanding world of single-seater racing.
Transition to Formula Racing
In 2024, Thomas made the significant leap from karting to formula cars—a milestone that marks the start of most professional drivers’ careers. His single-seater debut came in the Euro 4 Championship with Hitech Pulse-Eight. Although he did not score points in that campaign, the experience of competing against some of the most talented young drivers in Europe proved invaluable.
Later that same year, Thomas took part in the final two rounds of the F4 British Championship. Here, he immediately made his presence felt by scoring points and securing two Rookie Cup podiums at Brands Hatch, one of the UK’s most iconic racing circuits. This early success indicated his quick adaptability and potential to challenge established competitors.
2025 – A Breakthrough Season
The year 2025 has been a defining period in Thomas Bearman’s racing journey. He began the season by competing in the Formula Winter Series with Hitech TGR, finishing eighth overall in the standings. During this series, he achieved one podium finish and accumulated 60 points, signalling his steady progression.
Building on that momentum, Thomas committed to a full campaign in the 2025 F4 British Championship with Hitech. His season so far has included a maiden race win, two podium finishes, and a fastest lap, amassing 93.5 points and placing him ninth in the standings. Considering the fierce competition in the series, these results are a testament to his growth as a driver and his ability to perform under pressure.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thomas is recognised for his smooth yet aggressive driving style. He combines precision in cornering with calculated overtaking manoeuvres, ensuring minimal loss of momentum. His karting background has given him excellent throttle control and a deep understanding of racing lines, while his formula experience has improved his tyre management and race strategy.
One of his key strengths lies in his adaptability. Whether dealing with wet weather conditions, technical circuits, or high-speed tracks, Thomas demonstrates the ability to quickly adjust his approach. This versatility is a critical trait for any driver aiming for success in international motorsport.
Training and Preparation
Behind every competitive race performance is an intense training regime. Thomas’s schedule involves a combination of physical conditioning, mental preparation, and simulator sessions. Motorsport demands not only physical strength but also endurance, reflex speed, and mental focus.
Off the track, he spends considerable time on sim racing platforms, refining his familiarity with circuits and experimenting with different driving strategies. His gym sessions focus on neck strength, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance—essential qualities for enduring the high G-forces experienced during racing.
Inspirations and Personal Life
Thomas draws inspiration not only from his brother Ollie but also from legendary drivers in the sport. He has expressed admiration for Formula 1 champions who combine technical skill with relentless determination. His dream car is a Ferrari, a nod to his aspirations of one day racing at the pinnacle of motorsport in Formula 1.
Away from the track, Thomas enjoys golf and remains committed to staying active. His taste in music includes motivational tracks such as “Eye of the Tiger,” reflecting his competitive mindset. Balancing his personal interests with a demanding racing career helps him maintain focus and avoid burnout.
The Importance of the F4 British Championship
The F4 British Championship has been a launchpad for numerous successful drivers. Competing in this series offers Thomas not only a chance to race on world-class circuits such as Silverstone and Brands Hatch but also to gain exposure to international talent scouts.
The championship emphasises driver development, with equal machinery ensuring that skill and strategy often determine race outcomes. For Thomas, excelling in this competitive environment provides a stepping stone toward higher categories such as FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2—necessary stages before reaching Formula 1.
Career Ambitions
Thomas has been open about his long-term ambition: to join the Formula 1 grid, ideally alongside his brother. Achieving this goal requires not only talent but also consistent performance, sponsorship support, and the ability to handle the intense mental and physical demands of the sport.
The path to F1 is notoriously challenging, with thousands of young drivers competing for a handful of seats. However, Thomas’s early achievements, professional support network, and relentless determination suggest he has the foundation to succeed.
Challenges and Competition
Every young driver faces obstacles on the road to professional success. For Thomas, the challenges include securing funding, maintaining peak performance in a highly competitive environment, and constantly improving his racecraft to match the rapid pace of motorsport development.
The 2025 season has introduced him to a strong field of rivals, many of whom also have aspirations of reaching the top levels. This competitive pressure pushes Thomas to continually refine his techniques, experiment with race strategies, and maximise every on-track opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As the current F4 British Championship season continues, Thomas remains focused on improving his position in the standings. Securing more podiums, race wins, and consistent point finishes will not only boost his confidence but also strengthen his racing credentials for future opportunities.
His immediate goal is to establish himself as a top contender in British F4, which will open doors to international racing programmes. From there, advancing to FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 becomes the next logical step before potentially making the leap to Formula 1.
Legacy in the Making
While some may initially associate Thomas Bearman with his older brother’s success, his performances are proving that he is much more than just “Ollie Bearman’s younger sibling.” He is forging his own path, building a reputation as a determined and talented driver capable of making his mark on the motorsport world.
His journey from a young karting enthusiast in Essex to a race-winning competitor in British F4 reflects his resilience, dedication, and natural ability behind the wheel. As he continues to progress, fans and experts alike are watching closely, anticipating the moment when his name will be spoken alongside the sport’s elite.
Conclusion
Thomas Bearman’s career is still in its early stages, yet it already displays the qualities of a future star. With a strong support system, a disciplined approach to training, and an unshakable ambition, he is steadily climbing the motorsport ladder.
In the coming years, the racing world may well witness the Bearman brothers competing side by side in Formula 1—two talented siblings representing British motorsport on the global stage. Until then, Thomas will continue to work tirelessly, proving race after race that he has the skill, determination, and passion to reach the very top.
