Oliver Bearman’s F1 debut is being praised by many including Charles Leclerc for “an incredible job.”
But it wasn’t just an occasion to celebrate Oliver Bearman’s F1 debut, he also made history by becoming the youngest ever British F1 driver and the third youngest in history.
As the race progressed at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this past weekend, the young 18-year-old driver felt the mounting pressure from Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who were both closing in with the advantage of fresher tires. Despite this challenge, he managed to maintain his composure and skillfully defended his position, securing seventh place. This impressive performance in his Formula 1 debut rewarded him with six points, marking a successful start to his career in F1.
But the real question many are asking themselves is why is Bearman driving? The young British F1 driver had to step in and replace Carlos Sainz after the Spanish driver was diagnosed with appendicitis and had to be taken to the hospital for an unexpected surgery. This remarkable opportunity not only marks a significant milestone in Bearman’s career but also demonstrates Ferrari’s trust in the young talent within their ranks.
Bearman explains that he was fully expecting to race in Formula 2 but was amazed when Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur called him and told him he was about to make his F1 debut this past weekend. Here’s more about Bearman’s beginning to a successful racing career.
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He’s the youngest Ferrari F1 driver ever and the third youngest in F1 history – Who is Oliver Bearman?
When did Oliver Bearman start karting?
Oliver “Ollie” Bearman embarked on his karting journey in 2013 at the tender age of 8, a critical step that marked the beginning of what promises to be a prolific career in motorsport. Starting karting at such a young age is a rite of passage for many who aspire to climb the ranks of competitive racing, providing an essential platform for honing driving skills, understanding vehicle dynamics, and cultivating a racing mindset.
For Bearman, this early foray into karting was not merely about learning to navigate the tracks; it was about laying the groundwork for a future in racing. Karting serves as the breeding ground for future champions, where young talents like Bearman learn the intricacies of racing strategy, develop their reflexes, and adapt to the competitive environment that defines motorsport. This early exposure to the racing world has been pivotal in shaping Bearman’s career, allowing him to develop the resilience, determination, and skills necessary to progress through the more rigorous and demanding levels of racing, including his notable achievements in Formula 4 and his participation in the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy.
Bearman in the Ferrari Driver Academy
Bearman was recruited into the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021, an elite training program run by the Ferrari Formula 1 team. The Ferrari Driving Academy, known for its rigorous selection process and comprehensive development program, is Ferrari’s initiative to scout, nurture, and prepare young talents for the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1. This affiliation not only underscores Bearman’s exceptional potential and achievements in the junior racing categories but also aligns him with one of the most prestigious paths to Formula 1.
Bearman’s entry into the Ferrari Driving Academy came after a standout season where he showcased his talent and skill by clinching titles in both the Italian and ADAC Formula 4 Championships in 2021. These significant accomplishments in the fiercely competitive world of junior motorsport highlighted his readiness for the next level, catching the attention of the scouting team at Ferrari.
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What can we expect after Oliver Bearman’s F1 debut?
Stepping in as a substitute driver for Carlos Sainz and showcasing his potential has placed Bearman on the radar of teams and fans alike. His outstanding performance in Saudi Arabia significantly strengthened his possibility for an end-of-year promotion, serving as an achievement that could be deemed as valuable as securing a championship in the unpredictable world of Formula 2. For now, Bearman is set to return to the F2 circuit in Australia for the series’ third round.
2024 Formula 1 Schedule
| Date | Grand Prix | Venue |
| March 22-24 | Australia | Melbourne |
| April 5-7 | Japan | Suzuka |
| April 19-21 | China | Shanghai |
| May 3-5 | Miami | Miami |
| May 17-19 | Emilia Romagna | Imola |
| May 24-26 | Monaco | Monaco |
| June 7-9 | Canada | Montreal |
| June 21-23 | Spain | Barcelona |
| June 28-30 | Austria | Spielberg |
| July 5-7 | United Kingdom | Silverstone |
| July 19-21 | Hungary | Budapest |
| July 26-28 | Belgium | Spa |
| August 23-25 | Netherlands | Zandvoort |
| August 30 – September 1 | Italy | Monza |
| September 13-15 | Azerbaijan | Baku |
| September 20-22 | Singapore | Singapure |
| October 18-20 | USA | Austin |
| October 25-27 | Mexico | México City |
| November 1-3 | Brazil | Sao Paulo |
| November 21-23 | Las Vegas | Las Vegas |
| November 29 – December 1 | Qatar | Lusail |
| December 6-8 | Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina |
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