The teenager, Oliver Bearman, confidently performed at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where he was thrust into the spotlight after Ferrari urgently sought a replacement for Carlos Sainz, diagnosed with appendicitis. Despite starting from P11, he executed a series of overtakes that left spectators in awe. He showcased his skill and determination with each maneuver, effortlessly overtaking formidable opponents like Yuki Tsunoda and Nico Hülkenberg.
The rookie achieved a commendable 7th position in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, after the impressive race, he felt physically “destroyed.” Amidst exhaustion, he received surprise help from the sport’s legend, a seven-time world champion.
Lewis Hamiton’s surprise aid to Oliver Bearman after a grueling race
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The 18-year-old prodigy made a stunning debut during the FP3, leaving an indelible mark with his exceptional performance. His remarkable skills propelled him to secure the 11th position in the qualifying session, showcasing his raw talent and determination. In the race, he continued to exceed expectations, clinching a commendable 7th position. Under immense pressure, he showcased remarkable poise as he overtook three drivers in the race. His stellar performance earned valuable points for Ferrari and positioned him as a compelling candidate for Haas.
When asked about his performance, he responded to F1, “Destroyed. Physically, it was a really difficult race! Especially in the end, when I had the two guys on soft behind me, I had to basically push flat out. It was a mentally difficult race, as expected, and physically, I was struggling too, but great fun out there.”
The Ferrari debutant struggled to exit the car post-race as he was exhausted. In a heartwarming moment, Lewis Hamilton stepped in, offering assistance to help him out of the cockpit on one of the most renowned circuits. Grateful for the unexpected aid from his idol, he expressed profound appreciation, cherishing the support from one of the star performers of F1. In a Twitter post by Motorsports, the 18-year-old thanked the Mercedes star for helping him pull out of the car when he struggled to exit it. “[Lewis] was basically pulling me out of the car because I was struggling,” he said.
🥵 "[Lewis] was basically pulling me out of the car because I was struggling" 💬
A maiden #F1 race is never easy, and it certainly wasn't for Ferrari rookie Oliver Bearman! 👇https://t.co/HdpbJmg3dV
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) March 10, 2024
His debut inspired F1 enthusiasts worldwide and earned praise from teammate Charles Leclerc. Additionally, his peers and former Ferrari boss commended his performance.
The Rookie gets resilience from F1 star drivers
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In a dazzling display of talent, the rookie showcased his prowess during the qualifying race, securing an impressive 11th place despite his limited experience in the cockpit and minimal time to become accustomed to the Ferrari car. His adaptability impressed his teammate, who noted how quickly he navigated the challenging conditions on the grid in Jeddah. Drawing from his own journey, the Monegasque emphasized the significance of Berman’s debut, recognizing his immense potential and promising future in F1.
Similarly, Peter Windsor expressed profound admiration for his performance, asserting that his seat in F1 is assured. Reflecting on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix qualifying, the former Ferrari boss highlighted that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have already secured their seat at Ferrari. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that the talented Brit has undoubtedly reserved his spot in F1 with his exceptional display on the track, potentially with Haas.
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Berman’s performance won the hearts of his team and peers. Do you think that F1 will consider him a viable option in the future? Share your thoughts in the comment section