Oliver Bearman Catches the Eye of Talent Scout That Discovered Michael Schumacher & Fernando Alonso

Oliver Bearman has come as a breath of fresh for the F1 world which was annoyed over the multiple baffling developments in the Christian Horner investigation. In Carlos Sainz’s misery, Ferrari found a gem that might succeed Lewis Hamilton when he retires. As they say, ‘One man’s Appendicitis is another man’s opportunity’. And Bearman exploited his opportunity for a stellar P7 finish on his F1 debut. He impressed the whole paddock, including his rivals. Moreover, he also caught the eye of Flavio Briatore, F1’s most successful talent scout.

On one hand, Briatore is infamous for being involved in the 2008 Singapore GP ‘Crashgate’ Scandal. On the other, he is revered as the man who discovered Michael Schumacher & Fernando Alonso and propelled them to success. 9 championships between those 2 drivers is enough evidence for this scouting and managing skills. Even today, he remains Alonso’s manager. So when a man of such status gives his word on a rookie like Oliver Bearman, you believe it.

In an interview on Rai Radio 1, Flavio Briatore was all praise for the Ferrari rookie. He said, as quoted by Formula Passion, “Bearman definitely has something. We will see what it will be with time. But it was exceptional. Nobody knew him and he was very good. Finishing the race competitively, keeping the others behind, is already something to congratulate him on.”

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Is Oliver Bearman the next World Champion that Briatore manages once Alonso retires? Well, that’s for time to tell. But one thing is for sure, he has secured himself some good mental space in the heads of F1 Team Bosses.

Oliver Bearman leaves Toto Wolff and Helmut Marko in Awe of Saudi Arabian GP Performance

On his debut, Oliver Bearman in Ferrari’s SF24 defeated the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. A feat that left Toto Wolff surprised. In the post-race interview, the Mercedes boss said, “We are seeing the level of the young people who are coming out of F3 and F2. I think it’s at such a high level because the competition has just become very strong. Bearman had an incredible last stint.”

Helmut Marko too joined in the praise parade, saying, “Jeddah is definitely not an easy track. Bearman faced it impeccably and sensationally, even in qualifying. We see that young people need to be given a chance. Routine isn’t always necessary.”

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Getting Helmut Marko’s praise on debut? Now that’s impressive. The future can only look more exciting for this 18-year-old who drove with the maturity of a 40-year-old.