At 18 years old, what were you doing? Unless you are Max Verstappen or Lance Stroll, the answer is not racing in Formula 1. And even they cannot say they were “racing for Ferrari” – but Ollie Bearman can now that he is replacing Carlos Sainz in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
While Verstappen is the ultimate example of “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough” in F1, he was not thrown into the deep end like Bearman. No one has been thrown into the deep end like Bearman is being.
It’s not just the fact that Bearman is only 18 years old. It’s the fact that it’s Ferrari. The external expectations will be enormous because this is a top team, with a car fast enough to be on the podium, and more attention than any other.
Furthermore, Bearman’s opportunity is arising in the middle of the weekend, costing him two full free practice sessions to prepare and giving him only a single 60-minute session to try out the 2024 Ferrari for the first time and “prepare” for qualifying.
Oh, and all of this is happening in Jeddah, the fastest street circuit in F1, full of blind corners and dangerously close walls.
So, while it is unusual to see a driver being called in the middle of the weekend or summoned for their first F1 start with little notice, this combination of circumstances is extraordinary. It even surpasses the most notable debut circumstances in F1, like Verstappen’s.
This could be seen as a low-pressure situation for Bearman. Nothing can really be expected of him in these circumstances, right? But it is far from that. It is an unprecedented challenge that also serves as an incredible opportunity.
Bearman is not just a temporary replacement who can see it as a bonus. It’s a test. Not for a permanent seat at Ferrari, but for a permanent seat in F1 somewhere.
This is a driver whose main goal for 2024 was to make it to F1 and who saw victory in Formula 2, his main program, as a means to achieve that. F1 is the sole focus. You can’t separate the two now.
Ferrari clearly has immense confidence in Bearman, otherwise he wouldn’t have been chosen as a reserve in the first place. But relying on him in a weekend like this, when he was competing in F2 instead of being fully integrated into the team, instead of having a “safe option” to fall back on, speaks volumes.
Bearman can be trusted to handle this situation with ease. Despite his young age, his maturity and professionalism have impressed his junior single-seater team, Prema, Ferrari, and also Haas, for whom he participated in Friday practice sessions last year. These efforts also earned him a reserve role for Haas this season and put him in contention for a race seat there in the future.
So far, he has never outstripped his capabilities. It’s very easy to get carried away, especially for someone so young, but Bearman has been methodical. Now he will need to show that restraint and judgment, and impress by executing the job in the best possible way, given the circumstances, instead of trying to make a good impression. He has shown a clear understanding of the difference in the past. Now he must do so in the most extraordinary imaginable situation.
Considering his skill and potential, it was not unreasonable to think that Bearman could start a Formula 1 race this year or drive for Ferrari at some point in his career.
Getting both now, however, is a remarkable turn of events. One that – like Verstappen – he can prove he is more prepared for than his age suggests.
© 2024
Retired from Formula 1, driver Lewis Hamilton is using his free time to explore new passions. The British, who has become one of the greatest icons in the sport, is now focused on his music career. Hamilton recently released his first studio album, titled “Speed of Sound,” and is excited about this new phase of his life.
In an exclusive interview for our tabloid, Hamilton revealed details about his foray into the music world. He said he has always been interested in art and that music has always been a form of expression for him. Now, he has decided to take it more seriously and share his compositions with the public.
“Speed of Sound” is an album that blends various musical styles, showcasing Hamilton’s versatility as an artist. He composed all the songs and also played various instruments in the recordings. The album features special collaborations with other renowned artists, such as Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran.
In addition to his music career, Hamilton is also involved in social projects. He has been using his fame and influence to raise awareness about important issues, such as racial equality and environmental preservation. The driver believes that everyone has the power to make a difference and is determined to use his platform to promote positive change.
With so many talents and projects underway, Hamilton has become an inspiring figure for many. His determination and passion are examples that it is possible to achieve great accomplishments in different areas of life. The British driver continues to surprise and delight the public, showing that his legacy goes beyond the race track.
