Saudi Arabia GP: Charles Leclerc Champions Ollie Bearman - "Matter Of Time Before He's In F1"
In his post-race interview with former F1 driver David Coulthard, Charles Leclerc lauded Ollie Bearman's performance in his debut F1 race, asserting it's only a matter of time before Bearman secures his place on the grid. Leclerc highlighted Bearman's swift adaptation to the pace and his commendable finish in seventh place.
Key Takeaways:
- Charles Leclerc praised Ollie Bearman's debut performance, especially noting his quick adaptation and seventh-place finish.
- Bearman, substituting for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, showcased remarkable skill from qualifying to the race day.
- Leclerc believes Bearman's talent is evident and anticipates his full-time entry into F1 soon.
Ferrari Press Image
Ollie Bearman's debut in Formula 1, standing in for Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari team, was no exception. Starting 11th on the grid at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Bearman not only maintained his position in the initial laps but also demonstrated aggressive yet calculated overtaking manoeuvres.
Charles Leclerc, Bearman's teammate for the weekend, couldn't help but express his admiration for the young driver's performance. In a post-race conversation with David Coulthard, Leclerc highlighted Bearman's immediate adjustment to the car's pace from the third free practice session, his near miss for Q3 in qualifying, and his impressive race day finish. The Monegasque driver said:
"He completely deserves it. He's done an incredible job. Already from FP3 he was straight on the pace. In qualifying he did a great job and missed Q3 by so little.
"Today he's been incredible. Seventh in your first race in F1 having only done FP3 in a new car is hugely impressive and I'm sure he's extremely proud.
"Everybody has noticed how talented he is and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before he's in F1."
Bearman's performance is notable not just for his final position but for the composure and maturity he displayed throughout the race. Competing against seasoned racers and amidst the high pressures of F1, Bearman's ability to stay focused, make decisive moves, and secure a commendable finish speaks volumes of his potential and readiness for the sport's top level.
The race itself saw a mix of outcomes, with Max Verstappen taking the top spot, followed by Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc, who secured the fastest lap. Bearman's seventh-place finish places him in the spotlight, not just as a temporary substitute but as a promising talent likely to make a significant impact in the future of Formula 1.