Oliver Bearman pinpoints former Ferrari driver that sent him message before 2024 F1 Saudi Arabian GP. Oliver Bearman on receiving a text from a former Ferrari driver before Jeddah race.

Oliver Bearman appreciated Sebastian Vettel’s gesture
Debuting in Formula 1 behind the wheel of a Ferrari car and securing a position under the checkered flag ahead of fellow countrymen Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton (only George Russell finished ahead in a hypothetical ‘British Grand Prix’) is a is a remarkable achievement. If they had presented this scenario to Oliver Bearman on Thursday, with all probability, the British driver most likely would have burst into laughter. Yet, in Saudi Arabia, that’s exactly how it unfolded.

The English driver had to forgo the Formula 2 round after clinching pole position but made an impressive appearance in Formula 1, making his debut with Scuderia Ferrari, a privilege and responsibility that Ollie Bearman handled as if he were a seasoned driver of the sport. Furthermore, in interviews after the Grand Prix, Oliver Bearman revealed with great emotion that he received a special message of encouragement before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

“One of my heroes, Vettel, wrote to me before the start” – Oliver Bearman’s revealed at the end of the Jeddah race – “I thank Seb; he was really kind. It was a great emotion to race my first Formula 1 Grand Prix with Scuderia Ferrari. Obviously, it was physically demanding, especially towards the end when I had Lando (Norris) and Lewis (Hamilton) behind me on Soft tires. I had to push to the limit to maintain the advantage, staying focused and constantly checking the mirrors—a truly memorable experience. It’s a shame the Safety Car came in so early, as I felt comfortable with the Softs, but, of course, returning was the right choice, and I am very pleased with the result. I’m happy to have maximized the potential available to me; I had a lot of fun on the track and will never forget this weekend. Thanks to the whole team for the support and the opportunity to race in red.” – the Ferrari Driver Academy member concluded at the end of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.