The surprising move of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari means there is no longer a place for Oliver Bearman at Scuderia in 2025. Ferrari had a successful performance at the Saudi Arabian GP despite Carlos Sainz’s absence due to appendicitis. In his first Formula 1 race, rookie Oliver Bearman scored points and showcased his racing skills to the grid. With Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, there will be more changes within Maranello next year.
Helmut Marko, a prominent figure in the sport, praised Oliver Bearman’s performance in his debut at the Saudi Arabian GP. Marko described the Briton’s debut as sensational and acknowledged the difficulty of driving in Jeddah with limited experience. He even suggested that Bearman performed at the same level as some established drivers during the race.
However, Marko raised concerns about Ferrari’s recent decisions. He questioned the hiring of Lewis Hamilton with an astronomical salary, suggesting that a young talent like Oliver Bearman could have been a better long-term prospect for the team. Unfortunately, with Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari no longer has a spot available for the 18-year-old, leading Marko to propose that Bearman would be a better option at the Italian constructor.
To ensure a promising career for Oliver Bearman in Formula 1, Helmut Marko emphasized the need for Maranello to actively seek an available spot in the sport. He put himself in the shoes of Frédéric Vasseur, team principal of Alfa Romeo Racing, and highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for the young driver to continue competing at the highest level of motorsport. Marko also mentioned that money would not be an issue for Ferrari, as they have shown financial stability by offering Hamilton a substantial contract. This suggests that the team could invest in Bearman’s training and development for a promising future in Formula 1.
Oliver Bearman’s debut in Formula 1 has been remarkable, as he became the third youngest driver to compete in the sport. Scoring points in his first race is a significant achievement, especially considering he finished ahead of the seven-time world champion. This has led Ferrari to contemplate the future of their 18-year-old reserve driver.