Oliver Bearman’s flawless performance during the race has instilled a great deal of confidence in Ferrari for the future. Charles Leclerc [L] and Oliver Bearman [R] (images via IMAGO)
In the Saudi Arabian GP, Bearman, a contender in the F2 championship and reserve driver for Ferrari, was called upon to replace the injured Spaniard who underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis. Despite only having an hour of practice in the Ferrari SF-24 in FP3 before qualifying, Bearman, who had secured pole position on Thursday, was prepared to compete for his first F2 win of the season.
Bearman qualified at P11, surpassing experienced drivers in the field. Throughout the race, the young British driver managed to climb four positions and finish seventh, ahead of seasoned veterans. His impressive performance earned him the title of the day’s best driver, with Ferrari praising his flawless run.
The Ferrari Team Principal spoke highly of Bearman’s performance, emphasizing his mistake-free race and noting his composed demeanor in the car, which was unexpected for a rookie making their debut.
Aayo Komatsu, the team principal of Haas, was also impressed by Bearman’s skills. Komatsu believes Bearman deserves a full-time seat in F1, highlighting his exceptional performance during last year’s testing ahead of the 2023 Mexican GP. He acknowledged the challenges of jumping into a car at a track like Jeddah, known for its high-speed corners.
Bearman’s impressive performance caught the attention of others in the racing community. Komatsu added that while an opportunity for Bearman in Haas is not guaranteed, as no driver has been selected for the team in 2025, he has certainly made a strong case for himself.
Bearman also received praise from Sainz, who commended his excellent performance. However, with Lewis Hamilton and [driver’s name] already confirmed for Ferrari in 2025, Bearman may have to wait a few more years before getting a chance to drive for the team. Nevertheless, there may be opportunities for him with other teams.
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