Oliver Bearman claims Lewis Hamilton ‘pulled him’ out of the car after physically challenging F1 debut in Saudi Arabia

Oliver Bearman finished his F1 debut in P7 and was voted the Driver of the Day by fans.

Oliver Bearman claims Lewis Hamilton ‘pulled him’ out of the car after physically challenging F1 debut in Saudi Arabia

Oliver Bearman [L] Lewis Hamilton [R] (images via IMAGO)

Oliver Bearman made his F1 debut with Scuderia Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian GP. The 18-year-old was called up on just a few hours before Qualifying to replace Carlos Sainz. Bearman ditched his F2 campaign for the weekend despite claiming pole position. Now, the Ferrari academy driver has revealed how Lewis Hamilton helped him post-race.

Bearman had an impressive weekend in Jeddah. The 18-year-old qualified eleventh for the race in his first outing in the Ferrari SF24. Moreover, the rookie driver even managed to showcase his racecraft in the Grand Prix. Ultimately finishing in seventh place. Lewis Hamilton congratulated Oliver Bearman from his cockpit on the cool down lap.

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The 18-year-old claimed that Hamilton essentially lifted him out of the car in Parc Ferme. Oliver Bearman admitted that he struggled physically during his first-ever F1 race. Modern F1 cars could be extremely challenging for drivers. An F1 driver could lose upto 2 kilograms or 4.4 pounds of weight in a single race.

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[Lewis] was basically pulling me out of the car because I was struggling.
Oliver Bearman said as reported by Motorsport.com

Moreover, Bearman highlighted that the nature of the Jeddah circuit further posed a challenge. The low tire degradation and high lateral G forces put pressure on drivers who pushed the car throughout the Grand Prix. 

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 – you are pretty much doing 50 qualifying laps.

Oliver Bearman solidifies claim for future F1 seat

Bearman undoubtedly is one of the most talented drivers in Formula 2 this year. The 18-year-old has delivered some stellar performances in junior categories. Subsequently, Oliver Bearman would be looking to enter Formula 1 full-time in the foreseeable future.

Oliver Bearman
Oliver Bearman (Via IMAGO)

The 18-year-old recognized that his P7 in Saudi Arabia was a good effort to prove his worth to the Scuderia. However, the British driver will be aiming to win the F2 title this year. Certainly, Ferrari could try to find a seat for Oliver Bearman at a rival team. The Scuderia already has confirmed Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for next season.

I don't know what else I can do, because I don't think I'll be in F1 for the rest of the year. That was my goal, to do a great showing this weekend, I think I did a decent job, so that is alright. That is all I can do, keep pushing in F2 and cross my fingers.
Oliver Bearman told Motorsport.com

Oliver Bearman will be one of the drivers to watch out for in 2024. Many would be hoping to see a direct fight between Bearman and Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli for the F2 title. However, it remains to be seen if the Ferrari academy driver could make his way on the F1 grid in 2025.

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