JEDDAH – British teenager Oliver Bearman savoured a dream debut for Ferrari on March 9, making Formula One history and hailed as Driver of the Day as well as a talent for the future.
The Italian team’s youngest-ever rookie, aged 18 years and 305 days, started 11th and finished seventh as a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix stand-in for the appendicitis-stricken Carlos Sainz.
When he took the chequered flag he had McLaren’s Lando Norris, previously Britain’s youngest driver, and Mercedes’ seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most successful, in his rear mirrors.
“I don’t even know what happened in the race,” Bearman said as praise for his efforts under the Jeddah Corniche floodlights echoed across the paddock.
“It’s weird to not watch an F1 race. It's probably the first F1 race I haven't watched for a long time. I grew up watching these guys fighting, so it was nice to share a track with them and it was a pleasure to have their recognition.”
The praise came from all quarters, with former world champion Damon Hill even proclaiming that “a star is born”.
Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished third behind Red Bull duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, assured reporters that Bearman, who started the weekend thinking only about Formula Two, was just getting started.
“Today he’s been incredible,” he said. “It’s hugely impressive and I’m sure he’s extremely proud. Everybody has noticed how talented he is and I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before he’s in F1.”
The 39-year-old Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007 when Bearman was not yet two years old, finished ninth in Jeddah and was first to offer a handshake and an embrace as his compatriot stepped out of his Ferrari.
Norris also offered his congratulations, saying: “He clearly deserves it and I’m sure we’ll see more of him again in the future.”
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur said Bearman had not made a single mistake and was even able to speed up at the finish to see off Norris and Hamilton.
“From the beginning of the event he was very solid, very robust, good feedback, very calm on the radio,” he said.
For the man in the spotlight, he said that having a fast car also helped.
“The car was flying today, so that’s obviously a big bonus. But I think we executed a clean race, no mistakes and that’s exactly what we were looking for. I’m happy with my performance,” Bearman said.
He pointed out also that he now had more points in Formula One (six) than Formula Two, where he has yet to score.
“I don’t know what else I can do because I don’t think I will be in F1 for the rest of the year,” he added.
“So that was my goal to do a great showing this weekend.
“I think I did a decent job. That’s all I can do. I’ll have a nice, big dinner tonight. A big dessert as well. I think I earned that.” REUTERS, AFP
