Oliver Bearman, the reserve driver for Ferrari from Great Britain, made his Formula 1 debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. Ferrari Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed his admiration for Bearman’s performance, noting that it was impressive for him to have a successful weekend without participating in the free practice sessions.
Carlos Sainz initially showed symptoms that were thought to be related to a fever or food poisoning during the first two practice sessions. However, it was later discovered that he had appendicitis and needed surgery, causing him to miss the race.
In Sainz’s absence, Vasseur called up Prema Formula 2 driver and Ferrari reserve, Bearman, to take his place in the SF-24 during the third practice session. Despite being only 18 years old, Bearman performed well in FP3, narrowly missing out on the top-10 in qualifying and finishing seventh in the race.
Vasseur was very impressed with Bearman’s performance, especially considering the challenging circumstances. He praised Bearman’s ability to handle the pressure and remain calm throughout the weekend, despite being the youngest driver at Ferrari and one of the youngest in Formula 1 history.
Overall, Bearman’s Formula 1 debut was met with praise and admiration from the Ferrari team, highlighting his potential for future success in the sport.
“But at the end of the day, I believe he managed to ignore that and stay focused.
“He didn’t pay much attention to the details. His focus was on the main subject and, in the end, everything went very well.
“I was concerned that he might make a mistake during the pit stop or at the start procedure, as we have seen with rookies in the past, but he handled it very well.”
After an impressive debut that caught the attention of several experienced members of the Formula 1 racing community and even led his teammate Charles Leclerc to say it’s just a matter of time before Bearman secures a full-time seat, Vasseur was naturally asked when and where this will happen.
However, the Ferrari Team Principal emphasized that Bearman’s main focus will be a successful campaign in Formula 2.
“He has only participated in one event,” Vasseur pointed out.
“I believe the best way to support him is not to jump to conclusions today.
“We must take it slow as he will have other opportunities throughout the season.
“The main focus remains on F2 this season. He faces a significant challenge, and I also have to consider that I interrupted a weekend for him in F2.”
In addition to his role as a Reserve Driver in F2, Bearman will also take part in testing sessions with Ferrari’s 2022 car, the F1-75, and six FP1 sessions with Haas.
Vasseur suggested that Bearman may also have FP1 sessions with Ferrari and highlighted that his overall program for the 2024 season will determine his future prospects, not just his performance in Jeddah.
“He will have some FP1 sessions with us and with Haas throughout the season,” Vasseur stated.
“And all of you know, just like me, that in six months we won’t be talking about Jeddah anymore.
“We will be discussing Mexico, Brazil, and whether he is doing well or not. Every day will bring new challenges.
“If he maintains the same approach he had today, things will run smoothly.”
© 2024
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