Lewis Hamilton was full of praise for Oliver Bearman’s exceptional debut during the Formula 1 qualifying at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where the 18-year-old British driver filled in for Carlos Sainz.
Sainz, who had to undergo an emergency appendicitis surgery, was replaced by Bearman, giving the young driver just an hour of practice before qualifying.
Despite this, Bearman showcased impressive skill, finishing 11th, narrowly missing the top 10 by a slim margin to Hamilton himself.
Hamilton, set to move to Ferrari next season, was particularly impressed, noting Bearman’s capability to quickly adapt and perform under pressure.
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“He nearly took me out!” Hamilton exclaimed, commending Bearman’s “mega” performance and acknowledging his potential as a remarkable talent.
Bearman, on the verge of turning 19, has become the youngest F1 driver for Ferrari and the youngest British driver in the sport’s history.
His swift rise through the ranks, from winning titles in Italian and German F4 championships to making a significant impact in his first Formula 1 qualifying, demonstrates his exceptional skill and dedication.
Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, also lauded Bearman’s performance, recognizing the difficulty of stepping into a Formula 1 car with minimal practice and delivering a strong performance.
Bearman’s teammate for the weekend, Charles Leclerc, echoed these sentiments, noting the challenges of the Saudi Arabian track and Bearman’s adept handling of the situation.
Despite the accolades, Bearman expressed a mix of disappointment and optimism about his performance, feeling he could have maximized the car’s potential better.
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His journey from participating in Formula 2 to making a remarkable entry into Formula 1, highlighted by his practice sessions with Haas last season, speaks volumes about his talent and adaptability.
Hamilton, who will share the track with Bearman in the race, pointed out the challenges ahead for the young driver, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the experience and learning from it.
The encouragement from seasoned drivers and the promising start to Bearman’s Formula 1 journey hint at a bright future ahead for the young Brit.