Oliver Bearman has shared an endearing anecdote about Lewis Hamilton’s supportive gesture following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday.
The 18-year-old made an impressive debut in Formula 1, securing a seventh-place finish for Ferrari while stepping in for Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined due to appendicitis.
Bearman, who was previously named as an official reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas at the beginning of the year, seized his opportunity with aplomb. Despite narrowly missing out on Q3 in qualifying, he showcased remarkable racecraft by climbing from 11th to 7th during the eventful race, fending off challenges from seasoned competitors like Hamilton and Lando Norris.
However, the physical demands of the race took a toll on the young British driver. Bearman recounted how Hamilton assisted him after the race, saying, “[Lewis] was basically pulling me out of the car because I was struggling. It was really physical.”
Reflecting on his experience, Bearman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete alongside his childhood heroes and emphasized the intensity of the race, likening it to “doing 50 qualifying laps.”
Despite being one of the youngest drivers ever to start an F1 Grand Prix, Bearman displayed remarkable composure and maturity on the track. He credited his ability to remain calm and focused during challenging moments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure for optimal performance.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix served as a significant milestone for Bearman’s burgeoning career, positioning him as a promising prospect for a full-time drive in the 2025 season. With speculation linking him to a potential race seat at Haas next year, Bearman’s impressive debut has undoubtedly bolstered his credentials for a bright future in Formula 1.
