Ferrari boss reveals how Oliver Bearman’s 2024 F1 season may look

Formula One teenage star Oliver Bearman might be strolling on cloud 9 this week after his historic debut on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

The 18-year-old was drafted in to take the place of Carlos Sainz at late discover forward of Friday’s qualifying, earlier than happening to complete seventh total in Jeddah, scoring six factors for his aspect. 

It was a whirlwind 24 hours for the driving force, who reportedly solely discovered he’d be taking Sainz’s place a number of hours earlier than qualifying. 

But after the race, the Essex-born driver admitted the ‘stars had aligned’ after he turned the youngest British driver in Formula One historical past. 

‘It feels like such a quick progression in my career from driving in F4 a few years ago (in 2021). I only did my first F1 test a few months ago (in 2023) so to make my F1 debut in red is hopefully a sign of things to come,’ he stated. 

Oliver Bearman was drafted in to take the place of Carlos Sainz at late discover earlier than happening to complete seventh on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Ferrari crew principal Frederic Vasseur revealed what the 18-year-old’s season may appear to be

It was a whirlwind 24 hours for the driving force, who reportedly solely discovered he’d be taking Sainz’s place a number of hours earlier than qualifying

The 6ft 3in teenager confirmed maturity past his years all through the race and regarded hungry to problem a number of the circuit’s extra established stars, notably ending above seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. 

Bearman, who joined Ferrari’s driver academy on the age of 16, is taken into account amongst many throughout the sport as one of many subsequent large skills rising by the ranks. 

And there is no doubt many crew bosses might be protecting tabs on him over the approaching years, with reviews rising this week that he may safe himself a everlasting spot in Formula One subsequent season. 

While Sainz is about to make manner for Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025, there could also be no seat for Bearman on the Prancing Horse simply but. But in response to The Sun he could also be a favorite to hitch their buyer crew Haas, with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg out of contract on the finish of the season.    

Even so, Ferrari crew principal Frederic Vasseur has revealed what this season may appear to be for the reserve driver, with Bearman set to return to F2 for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, earlier than beginning FP1 classes with Haas. 

‘It’s sign for Ollie for positive, it is an essential milestone,’ Vasseur stated, talking on the 18-year-old’s debut in Jeddah. 

‘In Melbourne and Imola he might be again on the F2 mission. The most essential problem for Ollie might be this one. He will begin quickly the FP1 classes with Haas, and this might be essential additionally for us to provide him expertise and mileage within the automobile.’

It was a dream debut for the brand new F1 star who was seen embracing his father, David, afterwards

Bearman was watching on in the present day as a seat becoming was carried out within the Ferrari storage in Jeddah

Bearman is about to return to F2 for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, earlier than beginning FP1 classes with Haas

Bearman has risen by the ranks rapidly successful the Italian Formula Four championship and the ADAC Formula Four Championships in 2021, earlier than stepping as much as Formula Three in 2022. He’d go on to complete third that season, incomes promotion to Formula Two in 2023 – inserting sixth total.  

He had additionally participated in two FP1 classes for Haas final yr, however reportedly is about to compete in six this season, per ESPN.

‘For positive with this one [Jeddah] he has the consequence within the pocket already,’ Vasseur continued. ‘But you need to take into account Jeddah is a step, not the ultimate goal. He did nicely this weekend, however he can have different challenges in entrance of him sooner or later with F2.

‘He will do a few FP1s with us and Haas in the course of the season and all of you, together with me, in six months time, we can’t communicate any extra about Jeddah, we’ll talk about Mexico, Brazil, and if he is doing nicely or not. 

‘Every single day might be a brand new problem. But for positive, if he is protecting the identical method as in the present day, it can go nicely.’ 

Haas crew principal, Ayao Komatsu admitted his delight that the rising star might be driving of their FP1 classes this season earlier than lauding Bearman abilities behind the wheel.

The Essex-born driver joined Ferrari’s academy on the age of 16 and is taken into account amongst many inside Formula One as the following large expertise rising by the ranks

He instructed Sky Sports on Saturday: ‘Last yr once we ran him in FP1 classes in Mexico and Abu Dhabi right away it was apparent that he is a complete bundle, he is so spectacular.’

In a separate interview, the Japanese crew boss added: ‘[Bearman] deserves an opportunity subsequent yr, I suppose. [But] penalty apart, Kev’s accomplished improbable in the present day. Nico delivered as nicely. So how can I sit right here and say, ‘[Bearman is] our driver for subsequent yr’? Based on in the present day’s efficiency, [it’s] Nico and Kevin.’

Bearman has earned plaudits from many round Formula One following his glorious efficiency in Jeddah, with Hamilton lumping reward on the younger driver. 

‘To be pulled out of your class and put straight right into a Ferrari, he did such an exceptional job. It has confirmed he’s a extremely brilliant future star,’ the Mercedes driver stated.