Oliver Bearman has reflected on his stunning Formula One debut in Saudi Arabia and looked forward to Lewis Hamilton‘s switch to Ferrari at the end of the season.
The 18-year-old was drafted in to take the place of Carlos Sainz at late notice ahead of Friday’s qualifying last week, before going on to finish seventh overall in Jeddah, scoring six points for his side.
It was a whirlwind 24 hours for the driver, who reportedly only found out he’d be taking Sainz’s place a few hours before qualifying.
Bearman, who is participating in Formula 2 this season for the Scuderia, was lauded by the likes of Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen for his eye-catching start and he revealed it was a ‘proud’ moment to receive praise from the champions past and present.
‘It was a proud day for me. For them to say these kind words was really nice – especially the older guys like Fernando and Lewis.’ He told BBC Sport.
→ Swipe to see more articles
Oliver Bearman enjoyed a whirlwind few days in Saudi Arabia last weekend after getting the call up to the F1 paddock
The 18-year-old showed little sign of inexperience or limited practice time with an impressive drive that saw him clinch seventh place
Lewis Hamilton (left) was seen in dialogue with the teenager at several points in Jeddah, ahead of his move to the Italian manufacturer in 2025
READ MORE: Oliver Bearman had to convince his mum to let him leave his grammar school to pursue his F1 dream… the teenager was just one when Lewis Hamilton made his bow but is already adjusting to life in the fast lane – including a TikTok superstar girlfriend
‘I grew up watching them. To share the track with them was an honour.’
Bearman will be joined at Ferrari by Hamilton next season after the seven-time world champion announced a sensational switch to the Italian manufacturer ahead of this campaign.
The teenager admitted that he is unlikely to deal with the 39-year-old on a day-to-day basis but he still expects much of his expertise to permeate the team.
‘Although I won’t be working directly with him, I’m sure his knowledge and experience will rub off in all departments.’ He added.
‘I’m doing a lot of [simulator] work with [Ferrari] so hopefully I can learn a thing or too from him and his wealth of experience.
‘It’s a real honour to even be associated with him in the same team and hopefully he can push everyone forward and bring great success.’
The 6ft 3in driver, who joined Ferrari’s driver academy at the age of 16, is considered among many within the sport as one of the next big talents rising through the ranks.
And there’s no doubt many team bosses will be keeping tabs on him over the coming years, with reports emerging this week that he could secure himself a permanent spot in Formula One next season.
The Essex-born driver joined Ferrari’s academy at the age of 16 and is considered among many within Formula One as the next big talent rising through the ranks
While Sainz is set to make way for Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025, there may be no seat for Bearman at the Prancing Horse just yet. But according to The Sun he may be a favourite to join their customer team Haas, with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg out of contract at the end of the season.
Even so, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has revealed what this season could look like for the reserve driver, with Bearman set to return to F2 for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, before starting FP1 sessions with Haas.
