Oliver Bearman will resume his duties in F2 after an incredibly impressive performance at the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The British driver made his Formula 1 debut and delivered an exceptional performance, earning valuable points. However, Bearman will now return to competing in the F2 racing category, as he is expected to fully recover in time for the Australian Grand Prix. In a recent interview, Bearman gave an intriguing response when asked about his thoughts on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Bearman was chosen to replace another driver who couldn’t participate due to appendicitis. This decision was made because other reserve drivers were focused on their responsibilities with the Le Mans Hypercar. Despite limited practice time on the street circuit, Bearman achieved an impressive sixth place at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, leaving the entire paddock in awe of his performance at the pinnacle of motorsport.
During a pre-race interview, Bearman was asked about his potential teammates for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 18-year-old driver confidently stated that he would choose to race alongside Hamilton and Leclerc. He even humorously added that if they didn’t win, he would take the blame. This lighthearted comment shows Bearman’s optimism and enthusiasm as he embarks on his second outing.
As a rookie, the 18-year-old driver earned significant points in his first Formula 1 race. This achievement also made Bearman the third youngest driver in history to compete in Formula 1, following in the footsteps of notable figures like Hamilton and Leclerc. Scoring in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a remarkable accomplishment for Bearman, and he expressed his satisfaction with the recognition he received.
Receiving praise from Formula 1 veterans, including Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, was a source of pride for Bearman. The young driver appreciated the kind words of these experienced individuals and emphasized the impact of their praise, especially considering their status as experienced competitors. Additionally, Max Verstappen also praised Bearman for his performance.
Teammate Charles Leclerc also praised the rookie for his impressive results. As Ferrari prepares to race alongside Carlos Sainz in the upcoming races, the team can reflect on their consistent and strong performances so far. The performance of the Italian constructor in Formula 1 will be determined as the season progresses.
