Bearman’s Breakthrough: A Whirlwind Debut and Eyes on Ferrari’s Future
Oliver Bearman reflects on his sensational Formula One debut in Saudi Arabia and anticipates Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming switch to Ferrari.
In a dramatic turn of events, 18-year-old Bearman filled in for Carlos Sainz at the last minute ahead of Friday’s qualifying in Jeddah, ultimately securing a commendable seventh place finish and six valuable points for his team. The young driver, currently competing in Formula 2 for Scuderia, received praise from seasoned champions like Hamilton, Alonso, and Verstappen for his impressive performance.
“It was a proud day for me,” Bearman shared with BBC Sport, expressing his gratitude for the acclaim from his childhood idols. “To share the track with them was an honor.”
Looking ahead, Bearman is set to be teammates with Hamilton at Ferrari next season, following the latter’s headline-making decision to join the Italian powerhouse. Despite not directly working with Hamilton, Bearman acknowledges the potential impact of the seven-time world champion’s expertise on the team.
“I’m sure his knowledge and experience will rub off in all departments,” Bearman remarked, emphasizing his eagerness to absorb lessons from Hamilton’s illustrious career.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Bearman, who joined Ferrari’s driver academy at 16, is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most promising talents. While his future at Ferrari remains uncertain for now, speculation suggests he could secure a permanent spot in Formula One next season, possibly with Ferrari’s customer team Haas.
As the season progresses, Bearman is slated to return to Formula 2 for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, followed by participating in FP1 sessions with Haas, according to Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur.
While the path ahead may hold uncertainties, Bearman’s remarkable debut and future prospects underscore his potential to leave a lasting impact on the world of Formula One.
