Ferrari super-sub Bearman was a ‘well mannered however arduous little racer’ in karting days
Ferrari super-sub Oliver Bearman was a “hard little driver”, in response to the chairman of his former kart membership.
Bearman has been given the chance of a lifetime after being drafted in to change Carlos Sainz for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Spaniard has been identified with appendicitis and requires surgical procedure.
The Formula 2 star, 18, was already a contender for an F1 seat in 2025, however he has an early alternative to impress watching crew bosses on the high-speed Jeddah Corniche circuit. Bearman began out in karting and, like Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris, spent a few years honing his craft on the world-class PFI International Circuit in Lincolnshire.
READ MORE: Why Oliver Bearman’s accent has an Italian twang – regardless of Ferrari star being British
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Ferrari junior driver Bearman was a member of the Trent Valley Kart Club, which relies at PFI. Club chairman Nigel Edwards has recognized Bearman since he began karting on the age of eight.
“If you saw him out of the car, you probably wouldn’t think he was a fierce, competitive racing driver,” mentioned Edwards, who can also be a FIA karting official. “He’s a very nice man and comes throughout rather well. He’s clearly learnt a bit throughout his F3 and F2 profession.
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(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
“Not only have you got to be a good driver, but you’ve got to be able to handle yourself well. He’s taken that on, a very nice polite guy.”
Having began out as a cadet, Bearman started to show heads as he graduated into junior after which senior karting, though standing out from the group wasn’t straightforward given the lots of of kids who shared the identical dream.
“When he got into the junior class, he started winning some races and you could see there was some potential there,” mentioned Edwards. “He was a hard little driver. He was involved in a few incidents [on track] but then so were most of the guys. He was a really good frontrunner and a good peddler.
“He’s from a good family. In the karting world, you’ve got to stand your ground. They won’t be pushed about, but they’re always respectful.”
(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Edwards is thrilled to see Bearman, who has been linked with Ferrari-engined Haas for 2025, get his sudden alternative with the Scuderia. He added: “It’s fantastic. He’s on the Ferrari Academy, which like the Red Bull Academy, who have probably got 50 drivers queuing up waiting for an F1 drive.
“For him to make that grade, bloody hell, wow, Ferrari! Lewis has waited 15 years to get in there. What a brilliant opportunity. I’m sure he’ll be on the grid [full-time] next year. The door is now open.”
