At 18 years old, what were you occupied with? I can disclose what I certainly wasn’t undertaking. I wasn’t gaining points in a Formula 1 grand prix, leading ahead of seasoned drivers like Lando Norris and seven-time titleholderLewis Hamilton. Nevertheless, that is precisely what Ferrari rookie Oliver Bearman accomplished yesterday when he filled in for Carlos Sainz.
On Friday, Sainz received a diagnosis of appendicitis and had to undergo immediate surgery, which mandated rookie backup driver Bearman to take over Sainz’s position. Preceding the unforeseen circumstances, Bearman was all set to participate in Formula 2, after clinching pole position on Thursday, before unexpectedly being informed about his maiden Formula 1 debut. He was granted just an hour of practice time in the Ferrari SF-24 prior to qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
In spite of his minimal practice time, Bearman secured a P11 qualifying spot on the grid, moving ahead of experienced drivers like Alex Albon, Daniel Ricciardo, and Pierre Gasly. The young Briton then went on to lock in a seventh-place finish in Saudi Arabia, progressing by four slots throughout the race, ahead of Norris, Hamilton, and Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg.
Hamilton (Left), Bearman (Center), Leclerc (Right). Getty
How did Bearman respond after attaining points in his introductory F1 race? “Exhausted,” he expressed following the race. “Physically, it was an extremely demanding race! Particularly towards the end, when I had the two competitors on softer tires behind me, I essentially had to drive flat out, making it a mentally challenging race as expected, and physically, I was encountering difficulties too, but it was immensely enjoyable out there.”
Bearman made an impact on his new colleagues, including his teammate Charles Leclerc. “He has been phenomenal,” Leclerc informed Sky Sports. “I remember watching the initial three laps of Ollie in the garage on Friday and I was like, ‘wow.’ He was in close proximity to the walls and pushing fervently, demonstrating a comfortable rapport with the car right from the beginning.”
Hamilton also awaited Bearman post-race, offering the young driver an embrace and words of encouragement once he exited his Ferrari.
It remains uncertain if Sainz will have recuperated adequately to partake in the Australian Grand Prix on March 24. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur informed the media subsequent to the race that Sainz must be fully recuperated to compete in Melbourne. Nonetheless, should Sainz be unfit, Bearman will be afforded another opportunity to showcase his abilities in F1.
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