‘A Star is Born’: Former F1 Champion Praises Ferrari Debutant Oliver Bearman – News18

Ferrari’s teenage rookie Oliver Bearman completed a formidable seventh on his Formula One debut on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday with former world champion Damon Hill proclaiming: “A star is born”.

The 18-yr-outdated Briton was solely informed he was changing appendicitis sufferer Carlos Sainz on Friday morning however drove with the cool aplomb of a seasoned campaigner to attain factors in his first outing –- and after just one observe session.

“Star is born now,” 1996 world champion Hill wrote on X.

“To jump in at such short notice, on a track as intimidating as Jeddah, in a Ferrari of all things, and hold up under immense pressure and keep it together… Wow.”

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who completed ninth for Mercedes in a race gained simply by three-time champion Max Verstappen forward of his Red Bull staff-mate Sergio Perez, applauded his younger compatriot from his cockpit on his gradual-down lap.

Team bosses and rival drivers adopted with heat phrases for Bearman who was not solely the youngest driver in Ferrari’s F1 historical past, however the youngest Briton to race within the sport.

He was additionally the third youngest of all time behind Lance Stroll and Verstappen.

“I’m a little tired,” stated Bearman. “As you can see, I don’t look my best! It was a fantastic race, pushing all the way. I was shocked at how fast we were pushing, getting quicker every lap.

“That was incredible, especially at the end when I had the two guys (Hamilton and Lando Norris of McLaren) bearing down on me. I couldn’t relax. I was always in my mirrors pushing flat out but it was a really exciting and fun race.”

He added: “The countdown seemed like it was going slower than normal. I think we managed it really well. They weren’t really catching behind and I felt like I had a bit in hand in case I needed it. I did my fastest lap on the last one.”

Hamilton and his Mercedes staff-mate George Russell went throughout to congratulate Bearman on the finish of the race, each hugging him as he climbed out of his automobile.

Bearman was solely 18 months outdated when Hamilton made his F1 debut in 2007, aged 22, and when he was informed he was behind him on a “push lap” he stated “I was like ‘wow, I will get out of the way!’”

But he remained forward on the finish of the race.

“He completely deserves it,” stated Ferrari staff-mate Charles Leclerc who was third.

“He has done an incredible job. Even in practice, he was straight on the ace and in qualifying, he missed Q3 (the final shootout) by so little!

“Today, he has been incredible. Seventh in your first race in F1 having done only free practice in a new car is hugely impressive.

“I am sure he is extremely proud and everyone has noticed how talented he is. It is just a matter of time before he is here (established) in F1.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)