Formula 1 presenter Lawrence Barretto spent a day with Haas driver Ollie Bearman in Monaco to showcase the rookie's life away from racing [1].

The feature provides a rare look at the personal routine of one of the sport's youngest competitors. As Bearman navigates his first full season, understanding the mental and physical preparation of a rookie helps fans gauge the pressures of the elite circuit.

Bearman, who is 18 years old [2], appeared in the "Off The Grid" video episode during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in May 2025 [3]. The footage follows the British driver through Monte-Carlo, contrasting the high-speed environment of the track with his quiet hours of downtime.

While the episode focuses on his interests and off-track personality, Bearman's weekend in the principality was not without professional hurdles. During a practice session, Bearman was handed a five-place grid penalty for a red-flag offence [4].

The driver has been open about the intensity required to reach the top tier of motorsport. "There's nothing that I wouldn't have done to get to F1," Bearman said [5].

His transition to the Haas team has been a primary focus of his early career. "I'm thrilled to be racing for Haas and looking forward to learning from the team," Bearman said [6].

The video aims to deepen the human-interest angle of his debut season by showing the driver in casual settings across the streets and harbor of Monaco [1]. By documenting the balance between strict discipline and personal relaxation, the series highlights the lifestyle of a modern F1 athlete.

“"There's nothing that I wouldn't have done to get to F1."”

The focus on Bearman's personal life reflects a broader trend in Formula 1 to humanize drivers through digital content to attract younger audiences. By highlighting the struggles and successes of an 18-year-old rookie, the sport emphasizes the extreme age gap between the athletes and the average fan, while framing the psychological toll of the championship.