Oliver Bearman’s Impressive F1 Debut at Saudi GP: Hamilton’s Gesture Highlights Rising Star
In a remarkable display of skill and sportsmanship, Oliver Bearman made his Formula 1 debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, finishing in seventh place. Lewis Hamilton’s supportive gesture during the cooldown lap, acknowledging Bearman’s successful entry into the world of Formula 1, was a standout moment of the race.
Key Takeaways:
- Oliver Bearman, stepping in as Ferrari’s reserve driver for Carlos Sainz, impressively finished seventh in his first Formula 1 race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
- The Formula 1 community witnessed a touching moment of camaraderie when Lewis Hamilton, during the cooldown lap, showed support for Bearman’s debut with a thumbs up and a congratulatory hug post-race.
- Despite Carlos Sainz’s surgery for appendicitis, Ferrari experienced a successful weekend, marked by Bearman’s points finish and Charles Leclerc’s podium placement, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
Oliver Bearman’s journey to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was unexpected but memorable. Initially set for the Formula 2 feature race, Bearman found himself in a whirlwind of events. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz underwent surgery for appendicitis on Friday, leading to Bearman’s last-minute entry into the SF-24 as a reserve driver. Despite the sudden change, Ferrari’s weekend was fruitful, highlighted by Sainz’s successful surgery, Bearman’s unexpected point-scoring finish, and Leclerc’s podium.
Bearman’s performance was noteworthy right from the start, beginning his Formula 1 journey from the 11th position on the grid. His skillful driving kept him ahead of seasoned competitors like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, both on soft tires, leading to his seventh-place finish. This achievement is a significant milestone in Bearman’s career and a promising sign for Ferrari’s future prospects.
The gesture from Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, during the cooldown lap was especially meaningful. As Hamilton drove past, he showed Bearman a thumbs up, a simple but powerful act of recognition and support. Bearman’s response to this gesture, as shared with Sky Sports F1, was heartfelt: “Ah that’s really kind, that’s really nice.”
The sense of admiration was mutual. Post-race, Bearman received a congratulatory hug from Hamilton, who happens to be one of his childhood heroes. Reflecting on his admiration for Hamilton and Jenson Button during their time at McLaren, Bearman said, “It was great watching them growing up and now I’m racing against Lewis, that was fantastic.”
As Formula 1 heads to Melbourne in two weeks, the focus will shift to whether Sainz is fit to race. If he is, Bearman will return to his Formula 2 duties, carrying with him the experience and confidence from a successful Formula 1 debut. His performance in Saudi Arabia, coupled with Hamilton’s recognition, marks Bearman as a promising talent in the racing world, capable of making significant contributions to the sport.
