Oliver Bearman set to be handed full-time F1 seat after beating Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1 rookie Oliver Bearman enjoyed a stunning debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after being drafted in as a late replacement for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
The 18-year-old Brit replaced Sainz at the last minute after he was forced to undergo emergency surgery for appendicitis. And after qualifying in 11th, Bearman went on to finish seventh in Jeddah as he beat fellow Brits Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.
It was a very impressive performance from the teenager and the Sun are now reporting that he is set to be rewarded with a full-time spot on the F1 grid next season. The report states that Haas are set to sign Bearman, owing to the team's partnership with Ferrari.
Reflecting on his performance, Bearman told Sky Sports F1 : "It was a great race and I loved every moment but the weekend was too short. It was over too quickly and I am now back down to earth and back down to reality but I think I did a good job out there today.
"I don't even know what happened in the race. It's weird to not watch an F1 race. It's probably the first one race I haven't watched for a long time. So I'll have to go over it when I'm back home.
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"I am quite young. So that's cool. I grew up watching these guys fighting and it was nice to, I didn't fight with them, but nice to share the track with them. It was a pleasure to have their recognition."
And Hamilton, who is set to race for Ferrari next season, led the plaudits for Bearman. "I think the Ferrari, firstly, is looking very strong, obviously the closest to the Red Bulls," the seven-time world champion said.
Bearman beat Lewis Hamilton in his first ever F1 Grand Prix (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)"But to be pulled out of your class and put straight into a Ferrari, a top team, and have to go straight into practice without long runs and all those sort of things, I think he did such a phenomenal job this weekend and it just shows that he's really a bright future star."
However, Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur was keen to play down expectations about the teenager's long-term future. "The best way to help him is not to draw a conclusion, we have to take it easy," Vasseur insisted.
"He will have other opportunity during the season to do FP1, to test the car, and we will do it properly. The main focus is and will stay the F2 this season where he has a huge challenge that I will keep in mind."
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