Leclerc Suggests It's Only Matter Of Time For Bearman To Be In F1 After 'Impressive' Race

Saturday, 09 March 2024 at 21:15

Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc praised Oliver Bearman, the rookie who had his debut race during the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Oliver Bearman was supposed to race F2 cars this weekend but got the opportunity every rookie is dreaming about after Carlos Sainz was diagnosed with appendicitis and had to attend surgery.

The Spanish driver has successfully undergone the surgery now and has been present in the paddock for the race, but he was far from the shape needed to race.

Bearman had almost no time for preparation as he found out he would race Sainz's F1 car just three hours before qualifying. Nevertheless, he put in a fantastic effort and qualified in P11.

The 18-year-old's main goal for the race was not to do anything stupid and bring the car home, but he showed everyone what he's got as he fought his way through the field to the final P7.

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Charles Leclerc, who scored a P3 after starting from second place on the grid, told the media at Jeddah Corniche Circuit after the race about the rookie:

"He completely deserves it. He's done an incredible job - from FP3, he was straight on the pace in qualifying. He did a great job and missed Q3 by so little."

The rookie himself didn't seem all too satisfied with his performance on the team radio. He regretted that he could perform better on the soft compound tires after the start. Nevertheless, Leclerc suggests he did an "incredible" job.

"He's been incredible. Seventh in your first Formula 1 race, and he only got in the car in FP3. It's just hugely impressive."

On the one hand, Bearman knew the Jeddah circuit from F2. On the other hand, it is one of the most challenging circuits in F1.

As Lance Stroll proved during the race, even the slightest mistake can result in a DNF. Unlike the Aston Martin driver, the 18-year-old managed to avoid such errors and brought the car home, which is a fantastic effort from the rookie. Leclerc added:

"So I'm sure he's extremely proud, but everybody has noticed how talented he is, and I guess it's just a matter of time before he comes here in Formula 1."