Oliver Bearman has officially secured a major sponsorship deal with Deus X Capital for his debut season with the Formula 1 circuit, particularly with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, starting in 2025. This innovative partnership is noteworthy not only for Bearman’s career but also for the changing face of sports sponsorships, as it is largely financed through stablecoin, thanks to Deus X Pay, the company’s digital payment platform.
The deal marks the continuation of Bearman's association with Deus X Capital, which previously backed him during his campaigns in Formula Two during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The young British driver made headlines last year when he replaced Carlos Sainz as Ferrari's reserve driver during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, setting records as the youngest British driver and scoring points early on. Come 2025, Bearman eagerly anticipates his first full season, featuring the Deus X branding prominently displayed on his helmet during events like the prestigious Grand Prix of Monaco.
Tim Grant, the CEO of Deus X Capital, expressed his enthusiasm about the sponsorship, emphasizing Bearman's exceptional qualities. “We have supported Ollie through F2 during his exciting rookie year in F1 and continue to be impressed by his character, composure, humility, and of course, raw driving talent,” he stated.
The partnership with Bearman exemplifies the increasing trend of integrating technology and digital finance within the world of sports. Deus X Capital, which manages over $1 billion in assets, aims to be at the forefront of these innovations, particularly within motorsport. Grant highlighted the broader intention of their sponsorship strategy, stating, “Formula 1 is reaching new heights of popularity on the global stage, representing how human performance and technological excellence can break down barriers, aligning perfectly with our goals at Deus X Capital and all our portfolio companies.”
Bearman also shared his excitement about the continued relationship with the company, reflecting on their progress since they began working together. “We have had such an exciting ride together since we started working together in 2023 and I am really proud to continue our partnership as I enter my first year of Formula 1,” he said.
The sponsorship will not only give Bearman access to the world of Formula 1 but will also allow Deus X Capital's brand to make its mark at key racing events. The company is expected to host partners and clients at several races around the globe, including Singapore, Zandvoort, and Abu Dhabi. The idea is to leverage the high visibility of Formula 1 as a marketing platform, linking finance and technology.
Apart from sponsorship talk, Bearman has also made headlines due to his impressive performance during pre-season testing. Known for his analytic mindset, he recently observed intriguing steering wheel modifications on Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari steering wheel. “I’ve seen a few interesting things,” Bearman noted, referring to Hamilton's adjustments after his well-publicized transition from Mercedes to Ferrari. He explained, “First of all, Lewis in the Ferrari, wow. And seeing how much he’s changed on the steering wheel, for example, is something which caught my attention.”
Bearman elaborated on Hamilton’s steering wheel arrangement, highlighting the differing design from what Hamilton was accustomed to at Mercedes. “On his Mercedes steering wheel, the DRS button on Ferrari, it’s neutral. So I think he moved a few things around just to save things,” Bearman mused, showcasing his dedication to the technical aspects of racing.
Bearman, self-described as 'a nerd' about steering wheels, admitted to indulging his interests when observing Hamilton's adaptations. “I knew he would change a few things on the steering wheel. It happens every year, and I was more out of interest watching what changes he’s made.”
Having only made three Grand Prix starts so far, Bearman acknowledges the challenges of switching to Haas’s different setup. “My main laps in F1 have been on the simulator with Ferrari, so I’m used to their steering wheel. There are some differences with the Haas steering wheel, and it’s not quite second nature yet. I still have to look down when I press buttons,” he admitted, referring to the learning curve he’s experiencing as he settles on his new team.
Another aspect he has modified to suit his driving style is his clutch design. Bearman opted for a single paddle clutch, customized for optimal performance during starts. “It’s my own special clutch, and I worked hard with the guys over winter to create it. So far, my starts have been good, so I’m happy with it,” he confirmed.
The excitement surrounding Bearman’s F1 career is palpable, and with the backing of Deus X Capital, the 2025 season promises to be both groundbreaking and intriguing. The synergy between motorsport and innovative finance will continue to create new narratives as Bearman takes his place among racing’s elite.