BEARMAN Oliver (gbr), Scuderia Ferrari SF-24, portrait, starting grid during the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix of Formula 1 STC 2024, 2nd stage of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship from March 7 to 9, 2024 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Photo Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
Bearman has also shown, just like Liam Lawson did in the previous season for AlphaTauri, that a new wave of drivers is ready to enter Formula 1. Meanwhile, several veterans are reaching the end of their careers in the top racing category and have already passed their peak. This suggests that the F1 grid in 2025 will likely undergo significant changes compared to the current lineup.
In the short term, it seems highly likely that Bearman, at 18 years old, will find his way to Haas, a team led by Ferrari. Haas has a collaboration agreement with the Italian team and has already hired drivers supported by Maranello. Furthermore, Bearman also serves as a reserve driver for Haas, further solidifying the connection between the two entities.
During the free practice and qualifying sessions in Jeddah last Friday, Bearman took the opportunity to drive the Ferrari car. This opportunity arose due to Carlos Sainz undergoing an appendicitis surgery. Despite his limited experience, Bearman managed to secure an impressive 11th place in qualifying and finished seventh in the race on Saturday.
At the same time, Haas, which had a disappointing performance in 2023 and replaced Guenther Steiner with Japanese engineer Komatsu, scored their first point of the season with Nico Hulkenberg finishing in 10th place. Komatsu considered this achievement as a significant win for Haas. However, Bearman’s achievements did not go unnoticed. Komatsu acknowledged that during the 1st free practice sessions of the previous year in Mexico and Abu Dhabi, it was evident from the start that Bearman possesses a comprehensive set of skills and leaves a lasting impression.
“I am delighted that we had the opportunity to have him participate in six free practices this year. His performance has been exceptional,” added Komatsu, emphasizing Bearman’s status as the youngest British F1 driver.
Hulkenberg, 36, and teammate Kevin Magnussen, 31, will be free agents at the end of the season. Bearman expressed his excitement in establishing a connection with Haas and gaining more time on the track after the race, stating: “I hope I did well in today’s job interview.”
The young British driver also has his Formula 2 campaign to consider. Despite starting from pole position in the main race, he has not scored points yet due to his absence in the Jeddah stage. Currently, Barbadian driver Zane Maloney leads the championship with 47 points.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized that the focus for the young driver should be on Formula 2 for the rest of the season. However, the possibility of Bearman making a second appearance in Formula 1 in Melbourne in two weeks cannot be completely ruled out and will depend on Sainz’s recovery.
Vasseur informed reporters after the race in Jeddah on Saturday that a decision on Bearman’s participation in Melbourne will likely be made only in Melbourne. He also mentioned that having Bearman as a reserve driver gives the team a good option.
Meanwhile, Sainz will take this week to rest and recover. It is expected that he will make every effort to be in the car at the Australian Grand Prix, as he demonstrated his determination by leaving the hospital one day after the operation to attend the race at the Corniche circuit.
However, Vasseur recalled that Sainz has faced challenges before, stating: “He faced significant difficulties on Thursday during the two sessions due to fever and stomach problems. He was convinced he would feel much better the next day. But the next morning, he called me and informed me that he was in the hospital, and it was clear that we were not progressing in the right direction.”
Regarding the possible replacement of Bearman by Sainz at the next Australian Grand Prix, Vasseur expressed his admiration for Sainz’s recovery progress, stating: “His recovery so far has been remarkable. The fact that he has managed to join the team today is a positive sign and gives us great support. Tomorrow, he will return with me and enjoy a week of complete rest. Then, we will decide when he should fly to Melbourne in a week. But I am quite optimistic.” (Report by Alan Baldwin)
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A new record was broken in the world of sports today. Internationally renowned athlete Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 800th goal in an exciting match. The Portuguese football player is known for his exceptional skill and unmatched talent. With this achievement, he became the first player in history to reach this impressive milestone.
The match took place in a packed stadium, with fans eager to witness this historic moment. Ronaldo scored his goal at the 30th minute of the second half, with a powerful shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The crowd went wild, applauding and chanting the player’s name.
After the game, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the fans and the team, stating that this achievement is the result of hard work and dedication. He also thanked his teammates, who helped him reach this incredible feat.
This historic milestone by Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirms his status as one of the greatest football players of all time. His brilliant career and numerous records are a testament to his skill and passion for the sport.
Fans now eagerly await to see what record Ronaldo will break next. With his determination and talent, there is no doubt that he will continue to impress and inspire people around the world. Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo for this amazing achievement!
