Nico Hulkenberg has sent a warning to teenage Ferrari sensation Oliver Bearman claiming he needs to stay focused on performing in Formula Two this season, despite dazzling on debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Haas driver also claimed that the 18-year-old’s sensational start to life in Formula One ‘could be forgotten’ quickly if he doesn’t follow up his seventh-placed finish in Jeddah with a good year on the feeder circuit.

Bearman was drafted in at the last moment to replace Carlos Sainz at the second race of the season after the Spaniard had withdrawn with appendicitis. Ferrari confirmed this week that Sainz will return to the grid for this weekend’s Melbourne Grand Prix.

Speculation has arisen that Bearman could be gunning to take a seat on the grid next season at Ferrari’s customer team Haas. But Hulkenberg urged the emerging star to stay focused on his responsibilities with Prema Racing in Formula Two.

‘I think it’s very early and way too early to say that, the German driver told Autosport when asked if he was competing with Kevin Magnussen and Bearman for a place at Haas for next season.

Nico Hulkenberg has urged 18-year-old star Oliver Bearman to continue to focus on F2

Bearman, 18, enjoyed a dream debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix two weeks ago

He was drafted in to replace Carlos Sainz who pulled out of the race with appendicitis

‘I think he’s [Bearman’s] got a big job on his hands in F2 first of all, because otherwise if he’s not doing well there this Jeddah race is going to be forgotten in two days. You know how this business works.

‘So I think quite a bit of pressure on him there to deliver now in F2, actually.’

The 6ft 3in Essex teenager currently sits 22nd in the Formula Two standings and is yet to win a point for his side this season.

With Sainz now fit to race, Bearman is set to return for Prema Racing as Formula Two also arrives in Melbourne this weekend for the third race of the season.

Bearman joined Ferrari’s drivers academy at age 16 and has risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising young prospects in motorsport.

During the formative years of his career, the British driver won the Italian Formula Four championship and the ADAC Formula Four Championships in 2021, before stepping up to Formula Three in 2022. He’d finish third that season, earning a promotion to Formula Two in 2023 – placing sixth last season.

After taking part in two FP1 sessions with Haas in 2023, he looks set to drive in six sessions this season.

While the motorsport fans will be watching his development eagerly, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has hinted at what his season could look like.

‘It’s a good signal for Ollie for sure, it’s an important milestone,’ Vasseur said, speaking on the 18-year-old’s debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Hulkenberg warned Bearman to not get distracted by F1 and to perform in the feeder circuit

Bearman is set to take part in several FP1 sessions during the upcoming season with Haas

It was a dream debut for the new F1 star who was seen embracing his father, David, afterwards

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur revealed what the 18-year-old’s season could look like

‘In Melbourne and Imola he will be back on the F2 project. The most important challenge for Ollie will be this one. He will start soon the FP1 sessions with Haas, and this will be important also for us to give him experience and mileage in the car.

‘You have to consider Jeddah is a step, not the final target. He did well this weekend, but he will have other challenges in front of him in the future with F2.

‘He will do a couple of FP1s with us and Haas during the season and all of you, including me, in six month’s time, we won’t speak any more about Jeddah, we’ll speak about Mexico, Brazil, and if he’s doing well or not.

‘Every single day will be a new challenge. But for sure, if he’s keeping the same approach as today, it will go well.’