Saudi Arabia’s legendary Bearman stars

<p>It’s been a while since a youngster made their Grand Prix racing debut in the top division, and even longer since that rookie caused a stir in the paddock!</p>
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<p>Oliver Bearman, a current Formula Two contender and Scuderia Ferrari reserve driver, was called up to replace Carlos Sainz after his unexpected appendicitis diagnosis. He was called up to participate in the final hours of Free Practice 3 and then the crucial Qualifying sessions. This was like to plunging someone into the deep end, a la Formula One.</p>
<p>But Bearman was not phased by any of it. On the grid, he placed the SF-24 in P11, and on race day, he drove it home in an incredible P7! Although this was the British rookie’s first-ever race in Formula One, he was familiar with the quick Jeddah track from Formula Two, where he had previously won the weekend’s pole!</p>
<p>He is known to be swift. He was visible in our vehicle. We are aware of his rapid driving ability. We promised to be overjoyed if he completes the first lap with all four wheels on. That was what he did. He maintained his position off the grid since he was still in P11, and he only became better at the race after that. Even though he was picking things up very quickly, he never went overboard. “I believe that’s the quality I admire most in him,” said Jock Clear, the head of the Ferrari Driver Academy.</p>
<p>As a point of comparison, the last podium spot was taken by Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari. Thus, Bearman’s only opponents were Oscar Piastri’s McLaren, Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, and George Russell’s Mercedes.</p>
<p>Crucially, he maintained a fantastic show of composure and focus by keeping Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes and Lando Norris’ McLaren behind him. For an 18-year-old, not too bad!</p>
<p>That kind of debut alone may conceal the reality that these two very quick Red Bulls have remained in a class apart. Will there be any issues for the RB20 this weekend in Melbourne?</p>
<p>The last race at Albert Park was red-flagged, restarted many times, and finished by Max Verstappen leading a tightly packed field.</p>
<p>If not the victory, at least the stars will hopefully align once again for Ferrari to make news.</p>