Bearman back at ‘special’ debut-track Jeddah

AFP | Jeddah

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Oliver Bearman reflected yesterday on his “special” relationship with Jeddah’s Corniche circuit, venue for this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

It was at the street track last season that the young Briton first burst onto the Formula One scene.

He was called up by Ferrari at the 11th hour to act as ‘super-sub’ for appendicitis-hit Carlos Sainz.

Bearman embraced the golden opportunity, finishing an impressive seventh after only one practice session.

He also entered the F1 record books that day as Ferrari’s youngest ever driver at 18 and the youngest Briton to race in the sport.

“That was a crazy weekend, one year ago, to come back one year on is a very special feeling” Bearman said at the circuit yesterday.

“I’ve always loved driving this track. I’ve always had decent performances, actually,” he added.

“And then, of course, to have my debut as well, I think this track will always be quite special to me.”

The unexpected run-out 12 months ago earned him a callup this season to drive for the Ferrari-engined Haas team alongside Esteban Ocon.

“I’m quite happy with how it’s going,” he said.

“We’ve had two races with both cars in the points, which is really, really good.”

Being thrown into the glitzy F1 spotlight has inevitably changed the youngster’s life immeasurably.