Ollie Bearman had an exceptional debut in Formula 1 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, receiving praise from current drivers and forcing Ferrari to consider his future in the sport.
Bearman’s performance was truly remarkable. I cannot emphasize enough how impressive it was. Of course, there were some challenges along the way. At just 18 years old and in only his second season in Formula 2, being thrown into a Ferrari in the middle of the weekend and starting a race while managing the chaos of the first lap is a lot to handle. There were moments when he needed to improve his race management skills. However, these were minor details. None of his actions hindered his race and, in fact, everything he did in the face of these challenges contributed to his success. His ability to manage the tires and improve his pace during the long second stint was a game-changer.
It was an exceptional result, surpassing all expectations. Bearman’s comment about F1 being “limited by the driver” after his hectic day of practice and qualifying was intriguing. Unlike the single manufacturer junior series he was accustomed to, F1 does not have a fixed limit of grip and performance. It is an ever-evolving challenge and success depends on how far a driver can push themselves. Although the car is undeniably important in F1, not even the best car can make up for a driver who is not up to the task.
Max Verstappen, an experienced F1 driver, observed Bearman’s early laps in FP3 and was immediately impressed by his skill and determination. Despite some circumstantial difficulties in his driving, Bearman seemed to belong in F1. This became even more evident in the race itself. Many drivers struggle when given a sudden opportunity in a competitive F1 car, but Bearman did not falter. Despite having only one practice session to adapt to the Ferrari and challenging track, he extracted an impressive performance from the car.
Bearman’s return to F1 is not a question of “if”, but “when”. The absence of full-time rookies in the 2024 F1 season is a missed opportunity for teams. Bearman’s race serves as evidence of the talent that teams are overlooking due to their conservative approach. Although he may not be a finished product like Oscar Piastri, who dominated the last F2 season, Bearman had already proven his readiness for F1 through his practice sessions and three standout race wins in his debut year in F2. Being the absolute finished product is not a requirement, especially for teams at the back of the grid, like Haas, which is a Ferrari customer. Lando Norris and Alex Albon, both non-F2 champions, had successful debut years and continued to perform well in F1.
Haas must question whether Bearman would have been an improvement for their current lineup of drivers. This consideration also applies to other teams. The early career trajectory of F2 champion Theo Pourchaire is similar to Bearman’s, and teams may regret not giving him a chance. A car’s potential can only be fully realized with the right driver behind the wheel. The absence of Liam Lawson on the grid, despite showing more promise than Logan Sargeant, is another example of missed opportunities for teams. F1 teams should not repeat the same mistake in 2025 and should take the opportunity to nurture young talents like Bearman.
Ferrari’s decision to field an 18-year-old rookie in the race with little practice time and an aggressive race strategy yielded spectacular results. It was a bolder move than their previous approach of hiring proven superstars and finding a number two driver. However, it is unfortunate that there is no full-time driver slot at Ferrari for a few more years.
Bearman deserves recognition and may already have a proposal for 2025 in hand. His performance may indirectly boost Mercedes’ confidence in their young protege, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is Bearman’s teammate in F2. Antonelli, despite being younger and having less F2 experience, had a competitive showing in the Bahrain season opener. Mercedes may see him as a promising talent who could be ready for F1 sooner than expected.
This race may have hindered Bearman’s stay at Ferrari, especially since their driver lineup is set until the end of 2026. Bearman and his management team are likely to be interested in exploring other opportunities in the market rather than settling for a place in a lower-tier team like Haas for two seasons. Perhaps Red Bull could come in as a potential option. Although Daniel Ricciardo’s performance against Yuki Tsunoda was disappointing, Tsunoda may never have a chance in the Red Bull main team. This opens the door for a possible replacement, and Bearman’s readiness and potential make him an attractive candidate. Other teams may also be intrigued by Bearman’s performance and consider hiring him at any cost.
© 2024
Portuguese:
New world record set in athletics
Over the past weekend, the athletics world witnessed a historic moment. During an exciting competition, Brazilian athlete Roberto Silva broke the world record for the 100-meter dash. With an impressive time of 9.58 seconds, Silva surpassed the previous record by 0.10 seconds.
Silva’s achievement is a remarkable feat for Brazilian sports. He became the first athlete from the country to reach such an impressive milestone. His speed and skill surprised all the spectators present, and his name will now be remembered in the history of world athletics.
Silva started his career in athletics at a very young age. He always showed talent and dedication, training hard to improve his skills. His determination and perseverance finally paid off, leading him to achieve this world record.
The Brazilian athlete expressed his gratitude to his team of coaches and supporters, who helped him achieve this incredible feat. He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey in athletics.
Now, Silva is preparing for new challenges and is looking forward to continue representing Brazil in international competitions. His victory has inspired a new generation of Brazilian athletes, who now see that it is possible to achieve great feats in sports.
This new world record is a reminder that Brazil has the talent and potential to excel in athletics. With athletes like Silva, the country is becoming a powerhouse in sports and can expect a promising future on the international stage.
The world of athletics is ecstatic with Silva’s achievement. He has proven that with determination, hard work, and focus, it is possible to achieve the impossible. Brazil is proud to have such a talented athlete representing the country and eagerly awaits his next accomplishments.
