Ollie Bearman has branded Kimi Antonelli's maiden Formula 1 win as "very special".
The Briton watched his former Formula 2 team-mate clinch his first grand prix victory at the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, which he claimed gave him confidence that he would be able to reach the same milestone one day.
"We text. We sent each other a message after the race," Bearman told Jenson Button on Sky Sports F1, when asked if he had spoken to his former team-mate following his win.
"I didn't get to see him in person. I think he was very busy after that race. But honestly, it was very special to see. We knew each other throughout single-seaters. We were team-mates in Formula 2 and have a great relationship whenever we get to see each other.
"It is very rare now; we only really see each other on the drivers' parade, and passing through the airport. Sometimes we're on the same flight, but often we're so busy with our own lives that we don't get to spend time together.
"But it was really special to see Kimi win. He had an incredible weekend. It's cool. It's really, really cool. And he put the fight to George that weekend as well. It's going to be a really interesting season between the two.
"I know that Kimi is incredibly talented, so it makes me happy to see that. I had a very good battle with Kimi throughout my year in F2. I know that we are a similar level in terms of what we can achieve, and Kimi has won a race. So that fills me with confidence that, hopefully, one day, I can do the same."
While Antonelli claimed his first win, Bearman has also had a strong start to the 2026 season with Haas. He currently sits fifth in the drivers' standings with 17 points.
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