George Russell led praise for Oliver Bearman, stating that he “fully expects” to see him on the Formula 1 grid following an impressive debut performance in Saudi Arabia.
The story that injected optimism into the F1 paddock this past weekend started in sad circumstances, Carlos Sainz, unwell with appendicitis had to sacrifice his weekend due to appendicitis.
Happily, after a visit to the local hospital, Sainz is well on his way to recovery and Bearman’s call-up from Formula 2 to start his F1 debut with Ferrari at 18 years of age during Friday’s FP3 session sparked enthusiasm from his new Grand Prix peers.
Up to speed without a fuss, Bearman qualified 11th, fractionally missing out on the top-10 places on Saturday’s grid and acclimatised well during the Grand Prix to finish a fine seventh in spite of his youth as the third-youngest debutant in the series’ history.
“He did an amazing job,” said Russell, who finished one place ahead of Bearman in sixth.
“Coming in at a circuit like [Jeddah] as well is extremely difficult, and he exceeded everybody’s expectations.
“I’ve followed him briefly in the past, but I think he caught a lot of people by surprise.
“He clearly had the confidence straight from the off, pushing the car to the limit. So yeah, respect to him for the job he’s done, and I fully expect to see him on the grid next year or the year after.”
Russell’s Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton was part of a two-car contingent that failed to close down on Bearman late on.
Hamilton and Lando Norris ahead of him, had taken a late mandatory pitstop for soft tyres, but just like Norris, couldn’t catch Bearman in the closing laps of Saturday’s GP.
The seven-time World Champion, who will join Ferrari in 2025 credited the Scuderia for creating a strong car for Bearman to debut in, but also gave a positive review of the emerging star’s performance.
“The Ferrari firstly is very strong, obviously it’s the closest to the Red Bulls,” Hamilton said.
“But to be pulled out of your class and put straight into a Ferrari here – a top team – and have to go straight into practice without long runs and all that sort of stuff, he’s done such a phenomenal job today and this weekend.”
Norris too referenced Ferrari’s overall performance when commenting on Bearman’s Grand Prix exploits.
Still, the McLaren driver, who was just shy of three seconds behind Bearman by the time the chequered flag fell, was impressed by his fellow Brit.
“[Ollie] drove a good race, the Ferrari is a very strong car, but for him to jump in and get so much out of the car on his first weekend is pretty impressive,” he said.
McLaren’s sophomore driver Oscar Piastri was in agreement: “A very, very impressive job,” said the Australian.
“Obviously, the Ferrari is a good car. But to jump in your first race around here – you know, not having driven the Hard tyre before, I think he did a very good job and I think he can be very proud.”
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