British teenager Oliver Bearman says he’s hopeful “a door may open” for him to drive for Haas in Method 1 subsequent season following his spectacular debut as a stand-in for Ferrari on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old, who had claimed pole in Method 2 on Thursday in Jeddah, was known as as much as substitute Carlos Sainz simply hours earlier than last observe on Friday after the Spaniard was identified with appendicitis, for which he would later bear profitable surgical procedure.
With simply 60 minutes of observe underneath his belt, Bearman marginally missed out on Q3 as he took P11 on the grid, earlier than producing a faultless drive in Saturday’s race on the massively difficult high-speed circuit to carry off Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton for seventh.
Bearman’s mature displaying has put him in competition for a everlasting seat in 2025, the place change to F1’s driver line-up appears virtually sure with greater than half the grid out of contract on the finish of the present marketing campaign.
Requested about his prospects of incomes a seat, Bearman stated: “I do not know what else I can do as a result of I do not assume I will be in F1 for the remainder of the yr.
“In order that was my purpose, to do a fantastic displaying this weekend.
“I believe I did a good job, in order that’s alright and that is all I can do, maintain pushing in F2 and cross my fingers, that is it.”
The most certainly touchdown spot for Bearman in 2025 would look like Haas, for whom he drove in two observe periods final season, and is about to characteristic in additional for this yr.
Bearman in Haas colors when he drove for the group ultimately November’s post-season check in Abu Dhabi
The American-owned group share a detailed relationship with Ferrari, who provide their engines, gearbox and different components allowed underneath F1’s technical rules.
“I’ve quite a lot of practices with Haas this yr, so I am wanting ahead to build up a relationship and gaining extra miles within the automobile.
“And hopefully a door may open there (for 2025), that might be improbable.”
Vasseur: Lead to pocket for Bearman on path to Ferrari
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Anthony Davidson takes a take a look at the most effective moments from Oliver Bearman’s debut race for Ferrari the place he completed in a powerful seventh place
Bearman’s final purpose as a Ferrari Driver Academy product will probably be to earn a seat with the Italian group, however there isn’t a prospect of that taking place any time quickly with Hamilton having signed to affix from Mercedes subsequent season and Charles Leclerc contracted to a long-term deal.
Nevertheless, on the age of 18, the Essex-born driver has loads of time to realize that purpose, with a gap more likely to come when the 39-year-old Hamilton’s storied profession finally attracts to a detailed.
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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell congratulate debutant Oliver Bearman after a powerful seventh place within the Ferrari
Requested whether or not Bearman’s efficiency in Saudi Arabia had helped his long-term Ferrari prospects, group principal Frederic Vasseur supplied a optimistic response.
“It is a good sign for Ollie for certain that it is an necessary milestone,” Vasseur stated. “However once more in Melbourne and the following one Imola, they are going to be again on the F2 undertaking and crucial problem for Ollie will probably be this one.
“He’ll begin quickly the FP1 periods with Haas and this will probably be necessary additionally for us, to provide him expertise and likewise mileage into the automobile, however for certain he has this end in his pocket.”
Will Sainz be again for Australia?
Vasseur additionally confirmed that Bearman will as soon as extra be Ferrari’s reserve when the F1 season continues in Australia in two weeks’ time.
Each Vasseur and Sainz, who remarkably got here to the monitor the day after his surgical procedure to assist the group from the storage, are optimistic that he’ll be capable of resume driving duties in Melbourne.
Bearman added: “I’ve seen Carlos appears to be recovering very well and I am pleased for him as a result of ultimately, it is his automobile, his championship.
“So I believe he’ll be tremendous and I hope he is good as properly.”
Method 1’s largest ever season continues with the Australian Grand Prix from March 22-24, dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – just £21 a month for 12 months. No contract, cancel anytime
