Formula 1 teenage star Oliver Bearman is on cloud nine this week after his historic debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old was belatedly called up to take Carlos Sainz’s place ahead of Friday’s qualifying, before finishing seventh overall in Jeddah and scoring six points for his side.
It has been a whirlwind 24 hours for the driver, who reportedly only found out he would be taking Sainz’s place a few hours before qualifying.
But after the race the Essex-born driver admitted the ‘stars had aligned’ after becoming the youngest British driver in Formula 1 history.
“It feels like a rapid progression in my career after driving in F4 a few years ago (in 2021). “I only did my first F1 test a few months ago (in 2023), so my F1 debut in red is hopefully a sign of things to come,” he said.
Oliver Bearman was belatedly called up to take Carlos Sainz’s place before finishing seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur revealed what the 18-year-old’s season could look like
It was a whirlwind 24 hours for the driver, who reportedly only found out he would be taking Sainz’s place a few hours before qualifying.
The 6ft 4in teenager showed maturity beyond his years during the race and seemed hungry to challenge some of the circuit’s more established stars, notably finishing above seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Bearman, who joined the Ferrari driver academy at the age of 16, is considered by many within the sport to be one of the next great talents to rise through the ranks.
And there is no doubt that many team bosses will be keeping an eye on him in the coming years, with reports emerging this week that he could secure a permanent place in Formula 1 next season.
While Sainz will have to make way for Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025, there may not yet be a seat for Bearman at the Prancing Horse. But according to The sun he could be a favorite to join their client team Haas, with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg out of contract at the end of the season.
Still, Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur has revealed what this season could look like for the reserve driver, with Bearman returning to F2 for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne before starting the FP1 sessions with Haas.
“It’s definitely a good signal for Ollie, it’s an important milestone,” said Vasseur, speaking about the 18-year-old’s debut in Jeddah.
‘In Melbourne and Imola he will be back on the F2 project. The main challenge for Ollie will be this. He will soon start the FP1 sessions with Haas, and it will also be important for us to give him experience and miles in the car.”
But it was a dream debut for the rising F1 star who hugged his father David after the race
Bearman watched today as a seat fitting was carried out at the Ferrari garage in Jeddah
Bearman will return to F2 for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, before starting the FP1 sessions with Haas
Bearman has quickly risen through the ranks, winning the Italian Formula Four Championship and the ADAC Formula Four Championship in 2021, before making the move to Formula Three in 2022. He would finish third that season and earn promotion to Formula Two in 2023. in sixth place overall.
He had also taken part in two FP1 sessions for Haas last year, but will reportedly take part in six sessions this season. ESPN.
“With this one (Jeddah) he certainly already has the result in his pocket,” Vasseur continued. “But you have to remember that Jeddah is a step and not the end goal. He did well this weekend, but more challenges await him in F2 in the future.
‘He will drive a few FP1s with us and Haas this season and all of you, including myself, in six months we will not be talking about Jeddah, we will be talking about Mexico, Brazil, and if he does well or not.
‘Every day will be a new challenge. But if he keeps the same approach as today, things will definitely go well.”
Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu admitted he was excited that the rising star will drive in their FP1 sessions this season before praising Bearman’s skills behind the wheel.
The Essex-born driver joined Ferrari’s academy at the age of 16 and is regarded by many within Formula 1 as the next big talent to rise through the ranks.
He told Sky Sports on Saturday: ‘When we got him straight into FP1 sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi last year it was clear he is a total package, he is so impressive.’
In a separate interview, the Japanese team boss added: ‘(Bearman) deserves a chance next year, I think. (But) apart from the punishment, Kev did a fantastic job today. Nico also delivered. So how can I sit here and say, ‘(Bearman is) our driver for next year’? Judging from today’s performance, it’s Nico and Kevin.’
Bearman has won the praise of many in Formula 1 following his excellent performance in Jeddah, with Hamilton heaping praise on the young driver.
‘To be taken out of your class and put straight into a Ferrari, he did a fantastic job. It has shown that he is a very bright future star,” said the Mercedes driver.
