Lewis Hamilton had to pull ‘struggling’ Brit F1 hero Oliver Bearman, 18, out of his car after debut at Saudi Arabian GP
OLIVER BEARMAN had to be pulled out of the car by Lewis Hamilton after his Formula One debut.
The 18-year-old replaced Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix amid his battle with appendicitis.
Bearman impressed on his first appearance in F1, finishing in seventh place.
But the physically gruelling effort took its toll on him and the shattered Brit had to be helped post-race by Lewis Hamilton.
Bearman revealed: “He was basically pulling me out of the car because I was struggling. It was really physical.
“In a race like this – one of the lowest-degradation tracks of the season and one of the highest lateral G-forces – you are pretty much doing 50 qualifying laps.”
Bearman, who is challenging for the F2 title, was the youngest ever Brit to earn a spot on the grid and the first to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine 25 years ago.
But the wonderkid was not daunted by his chance to driver against the best.
He added: “I grew up watching these guys fighting and it was nice to share the track with them. It was a pleasure to have their recognition.
“Honestly, surprisingly, it felt like any other race.
“The start procedure is a bit different to an F2 race start – but once the lights were on you were focusing on what is around you.
“Luckily the F4 radios weren’t broadcast, but in F3 I was a bit more irate and I’ve learnt over the years that doesn’t bring any performance.
“No matter what, I tried to stay calm, especially in a situation like this.
“We knew the race was going to come towards us so I stayed calm and let it come.”
Bearman, who is dating TikTok sensation Estelle Ogilvy, has already been tipped to nail down a regular spot on the grid next season.
He is currently a reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas, with him expected to be handed a race seat at the latter in 2025.