In one of his most recent interviews, Oliver Bearman reacted to his comments about a potential F1 opportunity in Abu Dhabi 2023.
Just a few weeks ago, Oliver Bearman was in a similar position to almost every rookie in and out of F2. He was waiting for any opportunity that might arise and hoping some team would give him a shot.
After the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he is in a much better position after he got a very quick but dangerous opportunity.
The 18-year-old got to drive a Ferrari - the second fastest car on the current grid at one of the most dangerous circuits with almost no preparation.
As we now know, he managed it quite well. When he was asked in Abu Dhabi last year if he would be ready for a potential call-up in 2025, he said:
"I know I'd be ready to go. I know I have what it takes, but of course, preparation would be important. I have no doubt that if I get a call-up, I'm ready to go."
In the end, the call-up came a bit earlier, and Bearman managed to score P7 and even show some nice overtakes without much preparation, which only speaks in his favor. When approached with his previous comments, he said:
"I do remember saying I would be ready. Back then, I had only done three days in F1. I wasn't fully sure if I would be ready, but I knew deep down that I could do it. And I'm happy I proved myself right."
"I hope I can continue to do so. My long-term goal is an F1 seat, but I need to focus on the short-term, and that is F2. I need to bring back the results there."
In terms of whether he now believes that he has what it takes to step up to the pinnacle of motorsport, the 18-year-old Brit added:
"I believe so, I just need to do as well as I can and not give a reason for someone not to take me."