Lewis Hamilton’s surprising move to Ferrari means that there is no longer a spot for Oliver Bearman at the Scuderia in 2025. Ferrari had a successful performance at the Saudi Arabian GP despite Carlos Sainz’s absence due to Appendicitis. In his first-ever Formula 1 race, debutant Oliver Bearman scored points and showcased his racing skills to the grid. With Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, there will be further changes within Maranello next year.
Helmut Marko, a prominent figure in the sport, praised Oliver Bearman’s performance at the debut Saudi Arabian GP. Marko described the Briton’s debut as sensational and acknowledged the difficulty of driving around Jeddah without much experience. He even suggested that Bearman performed at the same level as some established drivers during the race.
However, Marko raised concerns about Ferrari’s recent decisions. He questioned the acquisition of Lewis Hamilton on a massive salary, suggesting that a young talent like Oliver Bearman could have been a better long-term prospect for the team. Unfortunately, with Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari no longer has an available seat for the 18-year-old, leading Marko to propose that Bearman would have been a better fit at the Italian constructor.
To ensure a promising career for Oliver Bearman in Formula 1, Helmut Marko emphasized the need for Maranello to actively search for an available seat in the sport. He put himself in the shoes of Alfa Romeo Racing Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur and highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for the young driver to continue racing at the highest level of motorsport. Marko also mentioned that money would not be an issue for Ferrari, as they have shown financial stability by offering Hamilton a substantial contract. This suggests that the team could invest in Bearman’s training and development for a promising future in Formula 1.
Oliver Bearman’s debut in Formula 1 has been remarkable, as he became the third youngest driver to ever compete in the sport. Achieving points in his first race is a significant accomplishment, especially considering that he finished ahead of the seven-time world champion. This has led Ferrari to contemplate the future of their 18-year-old reserve driver.