Bearman Doesn't 'Know What Else' He 'Can Do' To Earn Seat In F1

Monday, 11 March 2024 at 12:15

Oliver Bearman admitted he doesn't really know what else to do to earn a seat in F1 after doing a "decent job" during the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

F1 teams were clearly not interested in signing any rookies after the end of 2023, and 2024 was supposed to be the first season in F1 history without new drivers.

However, that changed after Carlos Sainz needed urgent surgery ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Ferrari needed a replacement driver.

Amazingly, the Italian team decided to give the 18-year-old Oliver Bearman a chance. The young Briton dealt with the immense challenge very well and finished seventh during his first-ever race in F1 (on one of the most challenging tracks).

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However, despite his amazing performance, it still isn't clear whether he will get a seat in F1 at least in 2025. When asked whether he believed he could make it, the youngster answered:

"I don't know what else I can do. I don't think I'll be in F1 for the rest of the year, so my goal was to do a great showing this weekend, and I think I did a decent job. That is all I can do. Keep pushing, and cross my fingers."

The 18-year-old received tremendous support from other F1 drivers before and after the race. Both Charles Leclerc and George Russell have already stated they expect to see Bearman on the grid sooner or later. He continued:

"I have a lot of FP1s with Haas this year, so I am looking forward to building up a relationship with them and gaining more miles in the car. Hopefully, a door can open. That'd be fantastic."

Whether Sainz will recover until the next race of the season, which takes place in Australia, remains a question. If not, it could give the young Briton another opportunity to shine, but he expects the Spanish driver to feel much better by then.

"Carlos seems to be recovering really well, and I am happy for him. Because at the end of the day, it is his car, his championship, so I think he will be fine."