Replacing Carlos Sainz, who was unable to compete due to appendicitis surgery, Bearman demonstrated his talent by qualifying 11th and finishing seventh in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Fred Vasseur has dismissed rumors that Oliver Bearman is being groomed as the next successor to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari. With Hamilton’s recent signing for a long-term contract with the team, attention has already turned to who might fill his shoes when he retires. However, it is important to note that Hamilton has not even started racing for Ferrari yet, making these discussions premature.
Oliver Bearman, a promising young driver in the Ferrari junior program, made headlines with his unexpected Formula 1 debut in Saudi Arabia. Filling in for Carlos Sainz, who was unable to compete due to appendicitis surgery, Bearman showcased his potential by qualifying 11th and finishing seventh. His impressive performance has not only earned him praise, but also raised expectations of securing a Formula 1 seat by 2025, possibly with the Ferrari-affiliated Haas team.
Despite the excitement surrounding Bearman’s debut and the speculation about his future with Ferrari, Vasseur has made it clear that the team’s focus remains on Hamilton. “Let’s not start talking about what happens after Lewis Hamilton, because Lewis is not even on the team yet!” he emphasized. Vasseur highlights the importance of Bearman’s ongoing development, including his return to Formula 2 and upcoming practice sessions with Haas.
Bearman’s debut was particularly remarkable considering his limited preparation. Vasseur expressed astonishment at his ability to compete effectively with just one hour of practice and no participation in the initial practice sessions. “The fact that he had a short weekend without FP1 and FP2 and made no mistakes, to me, it’s unrealistic,” Vasseur commented. This underscores the significance of Bearman’s performance in Jeddah as a stepping stone in his career, rather than a final destination.
Looking ahead, Bearman is scheduled for multiple practice sessions (FP1) with both Haas and Ferrari, providing him with further opportunities to gain experience and prove himself. Vasseur’s comments suggest a belief in Bearman’s potential for growth, stating, “But if he continues with the same approach as today, it will go well.” This reflects a broader perspective on Bearman’s career trajectory, focusing on his development and future challenges rather than immediate speculation about replacing Hamilton.