The young driver of the Ferarri Driver Academy is took over from Carlos Sainz on Friday. Oliver Bearman, born in 2005, is called to take part in his first Formula 1 race at the Saudi Arabian GP. After a very close Q3, the young Englishman managed to finish in seventh position.
Bearman seventh in the Saudi Arabian GP race
Oliver Bearman arrived in Jeddah ready to face the second Formula 2 weekend of this 2024 season. After winning the pole position on Thursday, his only goal was to get back to points in the preparatory category. Friday morning his priorities changed, with the call from the Ferrari to replace Carlos Sainz - who underwent surgery yesterday for appendicitis.
Little time to get used to to a different car from his usual Prema number #3. Nevertheless Ollie Bearman with only one free practice session behind him he managed to touching Q3 . Departure from the center of the group for the Englishman who was assigned number #38. While the eyes of viewers are glued to the screen to watch the duel for second position between Leclerc and Perez, Bearman overtakes Zhou and gets into the points.
La FDA talent climb it doesn't seem to have stopped there. A few moments later Oliver tries to overtake also on Nico Hulkenberg. Take advantage of the duels between compatriots Hamilton and Norris to extend your lead. Oliver Bearman finishes his first race of Formula 1 in seventh position.
“I'm happy, but Jeddah isn't the best circuit to make my debut at”
Oliver Bearman, after taking part in his first F1 race at the Saudi Arabian GP says: "Overall I can be happy. It's the first time I've done so many consecutive laps on the soft and hard tires. Many firsts times for me today, but I think I did well".
Mara Sangiorgio interview Bearman for sky sports f1 Italy and asks him what it was hardest thing to manage with this machine. Ollie replies: “On this track I believe the thrust level that you can handle with these tyres“. He continues saying: “On a physical level I suffered a bit, especially after the race when you stop getting fresh air and slow down. Not the best place to debut but I think we achieved a good result".
