Oliver Bearman, the reserve driver for Ferrari, expressed uncertainty about how he can further prove his worth for a permanent spot in the 2025 Formula 1 team, following his impressive performance in Saudi Arabia. Bearman was called in to replace Carlos Sainz during the final practice due to Sainz’s appendicitis. While Bearman did not secure a top-ten grid position, he showed strong race pace, overtaking both Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton to finish in seventh place. Bearman shared that Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur advised him not to take unnecessary risks, and he was pleased to complete the race without making any mistakes.
During the early laps, Bearman found himself behind Yuki Tsunoda but managed to surprise the Red Bull driver with a daring move at Turn 1 after the restart. Later on, Bearman battled with Nico Hulkenberg and acknowledged that Hulkenberg strategically used his battery energy, something Bearman was not accustomed to. It took a few laps for Bearman to figure out the optimal energy usage, but he remained disciplined and avoided pushing too hard.
The race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with 50 laps and a distance of 3.836 miles, is known for its challenging nature, posing a significant challenge for drivers on the F1 calendar. Bearman, recognizing the physical demands of the race, revealed that Lewis Hamilton helped him out of the car in parc fermé during the closing stages. He explained that the low track degradation and high lateral G-forces made it feel like completing 50 qualifying laps, which is truly remarkable.
Bearman, who became the youngest Ferrari driver to participate in a Grand Prix, achieved the best result for a rookie in F1 since Felipe Nasr’s performance nine years ago. After concluding the meeting with his Ferrari team, Bearman expressed his intention to enjoy a satisfying dinner and a well-deserved dessert to celebrate his achievement.
While Carlos Sainz, who underwent surgery, was present to support Ferrari in the paddock, Bearman remains uncertain about the possibility of replacing him again in Australia. When asked if he expected to have another opportunity to race in Melbourne in two weeks, Bearman honestly admitted that he was not sure. He expressed his happiness for Sainz’s recovery, acknowledging that the car and the championship ultimately belong to Sainz, and he wishes the best for him.
In terms of securing a permanent place on the F1 roster, Bearman expressed uncertainty about his future, stating that he does not believe he will remain in F1 for the rest of the year. He considered his goal for the weekend to be a great performance, which he believes he achieved to a satisfactory degree. Looking to the future, he plans to focus on excelling in F2 and hoping for future opportunities.
In addition to his role at Ferrari, Bearman also serves as a reserve driver for the Haas team. He will participate in six free practice sessions during the season, driving the VF-24 car. Bearman expressed enthusiasm in building a relationship with Haas and gaining more experience behind the wheel. He hopes that this opportunity will open more doors for him.
Bearman also revealed that he has more tests planned with Ferrari, potentially including the chance to try out the team’s 2022 race-winning car, the F1-75 with ground effect. He emphasized the value of the miles he has already accumulated in the Ferrari car, which will help in correlating with the simulator and contribute to his ability to assist the team in future tests with previous cars.
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from the field. At 39 years old, the player decided to end his career after a brilliant trajectory in the sport. Ronaldo, known for his talent and skill on the field, won numerous titles and awards throughout his career.
With a career that spanned over two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave an undeniable legacy in soccer. The Portuguese player had memorable stints with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, where he stood out as one of the best players in the world.
In addition to his achievements at clubs, Ronaldo was also a key player in the Portuguese national team, helping the team win the Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. His goal-scoring ability and leadership on the field made him a sports icon.
Despite announcing his retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo stated that he will continue to be involved in soccer in some way. The player expressed interest in pursuing a career as a coach or entrepreneur in the sport. His influence and experience will certainly be valuable in any role he decides to take on.
The news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement caught many fans by surprise, but it was also received with gratitude and admiration for his incredible contribution to football. At 39 years old, the player leaves a legacy that will be remembered by future generations and will continue to inspire young players to achieve their dreams in the sport.