‘I know I’d be ready to go’ – Bearman’s ‘very realistic’ option on the 2025 F1 grid after his super-sub Ferrari showing

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto
ALBERT PARK, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Ollie Bearman walks into Melbourne Walk during the 2024 RolexALBERT PARK, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Ollie Bearman walks into Melbourne Walk during the 2024 Rolex Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 23, 2024 in Albert Park, Australia. (Photo by Dave Hewison/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)during the 2024 Rolex Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 23, 2024 in Albert Park, Australia. (Photo by Dave Hewison/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Hugs from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and texts from four-time champ Sebastian Vettel – The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend was one to remember for 18-year-old racer Ollie Bearman.

Having just taken a sensational pole in F2 for PREMA, on one of the calendar’s most demanding circuits, he got the call from Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur that he was required to stand-in for the unwell Carlos Sainz.