British teenager Oliver Bearman enjoyed a dream debut with Ferrari on Saturday, making Formula 1 history and hailing Driver of the Day as a skill for the future.
The Italian team’s youngest rookie, aged 18 years and 305 days, finished 11th and 7th as a replacement for Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who suffers from appendicitis, at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
When he crossed the chequered flag, he had McLaren’s Lando Norris, once the youngest British driver in history, and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes’ seven-time world champion, the sport’s top titleholder, in his mirrors.
“I don’t even know what happened in the race,” he told reporters in praise of his efforts under the floodlights of the Jeddah Corniche, which echoed through the paddock. “It’s strange not to watch an F1 race.
“It’s probably the first F1 race I haven’t seen in a long time. I grew up watching those guys fight, it’s great to share a track with them. It’s exciting to have their recognition. “
Praise poured in from far and wide, with Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, who finished third, assuring reporters that Bearman, the reserve who started the weekend thinking only of Formula 2, is just getting started.
“Today is unbelievable,” he said. It’s incredibly impressive and I’m sure he’s incredibly proud. Everyone has realised how talented he is and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he’s in F1. “
Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007 when Bearman was not yet two years old and finished ninth in Saturday’s race, was the first to offer him a handshake and a hug as his compatriot exited the Ferrari.
“He obviously deserves it and I’m sure we’ll see more of him in the future,” said Norris, who also congratulated the 66th driver since the championship began in 1950 for scoring on his debut.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur said Bearman, who made his first starts and pit stops in F1 after taking part in testing alone, made no mistakes and was even able to accelerate at the end to beat Norris and Hamilton.
“From the beginning of the race he was very solid, very robust, with intelligent commentary, very calm on the radio,” he said.
Bearman said he treated the start the same way as any race and said, as it should be but with some modesty, that having a fast car also helped.
“The car that flew today, so it’s obviously a big advantage, but I think we ran a clean and error-free race and that’s precisely what we were looking for. I’m satisfied with my performance,” he said.
He pointed out that he now has more problems in Formula One than in Formula Two.
“I don’t know what else I can do because I don’t think I’ll be in F1 for the rest of the year,” he said. “So my purpose is to implement smart functionality this weekend. I think I did a decent job, that’s all I can do.
“I think I’ll have a nice dinner tonight. A great dessert too. I think I’ve earned it,” he added, acknowledging that a burger may be the most likely outcome, with the team’s report scheduled to end at midnight.