Oliver Bearman shines in race and earns Ferrari’s confidence for the future. Charles Leclerc [L] and Oliver Bearman [R] (images via IMAGO)
At the Saudi Arabian GP, Bearman, a competitor in the F2 championship and Ferrari reserve driver, was called up to replace the injured Spaniard who underwent emergency surgery due to appendicitis. Despite only having one hour of practice with the Ferrari SF-24 in FP3 before qualifying, Bearman, who had secured pole position on Thursday, was ready to compete for his first F2 victory this season.
Bearman qualified in P11, surpassing experienced drivers in the field. Throughout the race, the young British driver managed to climb four positions and finish in seventh, ahead of seasoned veterans. His impressive performance earned him the title of best driver of the day, with Ferrari praising his flawless race.
The Ferrari team principal spoke highly of Bearman’s performance, emphasizing his error-free race and noting his calm demeanor in the car, which was unexpected for a rookie making his debut.
Haas team principal Aayo Komatsu was also impressed by Bearman’s skills. Komatsu believes Bearman deserves a full-time seat in F1, highlighting his exceptional performance in last year’s tests before the 2023 Mexican GP. He acknowledged the challenges of getting into a car on a track like Jeddah, known for its high-speed corners.
Bearman’s impressive performance caught the attention of others in the motorsport community. Komatsu added that while an opportunity for Bearman at Haas is not guaranteed, as no driver has been selected for the team in 2025, he has certainly made a strong case for himself.
Bearman also received praise from Sainz, who praised his excellent performance. However, with Lewis Hamilton and [driver’s name] already confirmed for Ferrari in 2025, Bearman may have to wait a few more years before getting the chance to drive for the team. However, there may be opportunities for him with other teams.
