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Beyond the Track: Bearman's Mountain Retreat and Coffee Haven

From Training to Trade: Bearman's Cycling Passion Fuels New Business

Oliver Bearman, the talented Haas Formula 1 driver, has revealed his latest venture: a charming bike shop and accompanying cafe nestled in the picturesque mountains above Monaco. This exciting new chapter is a collaborative effort with a close circle of friends, born out of Bearman's deep-seated love for cycling, a pursuit that has become an integral part of his rigorous F1 training regimen for the 2026 season.

The Genesis of a Unique Concept: A Hub for Cyclists

During a candid conversation on the F1 Beyond The Grid podcast, the 21-year-old British driver shared insights into his burgeoning enthusiasm for cycling. He explained how this interest naturally evolved into a business concept, capitalizing on the popularity of the region's cycling routes. The shop is strategically located in an area renowned among cyclists, offering both a place to service bikes and a welcoming space to relax.

A Community Hotspot: More Than Just a Shop

Bearman highlighted that the establishment is much more than a conventional retail space; it's a 'passion project' for everyone involved. The team takes pride in fostering a community atmosphere where fellow cycling enthusiasts can gather. Bearman himself, a resident of Monaco, frequently navigates the challenging local mountain roads, often alongside fellow F1 driver Carlos Sainz from Williams and the legendary five-time Tour de France champion, Tadej Pogačar.

Culinary Delights and Coffee Culture: Catering to Cyclists' Needs

The dual-purpose venue seamlessly blends a bike shop with a cafe, positioning itself as an ideal stop for cyclists embarking on or returning from extensive mountain rides. Bearman enthusiastically spoke about the homemade offerings, including their unique banana bread and an array of other delectable cakes. While admitting his personal indifference to coffee, he acknowledged its critical importance to cyclists, noting their discerning palates. The emphasis on high-quality baked goods, however, is a source of considerable pride for him.

Reflecting on the Season: F1 Performance and Future Aspirations

This new business venture unfolds against the backdrop of a varied 2026 F1 season for Bearman. He has shown promising flashes of brilliance, securing 17 points in the initial two rounds in Australia and China, and adding another point at the Canadian Grand Prix. However, the season has also presented its share of challenges, with retirements in Japan, Monaco, and Spain, along with several finishes outside the top 10 in recent races. Despite these fluctuations, Bearman currently holds 13th place in the drivers' standings with a total of 18 points, demonstrating resilience and a forward-looking perspective both on and off the trac

Nirei Fukuzumi claimed his second victory in the Super Formula season at Sugo, a win significantly influenced by a contentious safety car intervention. This pivotal moment on lap 27 saw Fukuzumi and Ayumu Iwasa emerge as the primary beneficiaries, as the safety car was deployed following incidents involving Sena Sakaguchi and Roman Stanek at separate track locations.

Before the safety car deployment, Igor Fraga held the lead. The Nakajima Racing driver had opted to remain on track while early front-runners Tomoki Nojiri and Kakunoshin Ohta made their mandatory pit stops. The safety car's appearance coincided with Fraga's pit stop, causing him to rejoin the race just ahead of Nojiri and Ohta. Crucially, while most competitors followed Fraga into the pits, Fukuzumi and Team Mugen stayed out, completing their tire changes on lap 28 without encountering the safety car, thus gaining a substantial advantage. This sequence of events allowed Fukuzumi to maintain his lead, ultimately crossing the finish line 0.505 seconds ahead of reigning champion Iwasa, with Fraga securing third place.

The race concluded with Fraga openly expressing his dissatisfaction with the outcome, deeming the circumstances of his defeat unacceptable and questioning the validity of the result. Behind the leading trio, Ohta managed to overtake Nojiri shortly after the restart, claiming fourth position and minimizing the damage to his championship lead. The top ten finishers included Tadasuke Makino, Sho Tsuboi, Sacha Fenestraz, Zak O’Sullivan, and Ren Sato, highlighting the fierce competition throughout the field. Luke Browning, despite starting 21st, demonstrated an impressive recovery to finish 11th, narrowly missing out on points, while Stanek's race ended prematurely due to an incident at Rainbow corner, despite qualifying strongly despite battling a high fever.

This race served as a powerful reminder that in motorsport, unforeseen circumstances and strategic decisions can dramatically alter fortunes. While victory often rewards skill and preparation, it also highlights the element of chance, where some drivers benefit from unfortunate events impacting their rivals, sparking debates about fairness and the unpredictable nature of racing.