Thursday’s media day on the Method 1 British Grand Prix kicked off with some information relating to a younger British driver. Haas introduced within the morning that Oliver Bearman, the Ferrari Academy driver who’s at present splitting reserve duties between Haas and Ferrari, could be taking one of many crew’s two seats on the F1 grid subsequent yr.
Bearman’s promotion was a subject of debate throughout Thursday’s FIA Press Convention, with three of his countrymen becoming a member of the reward for the younger driver. Amongst these included each Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who Bearman fended off within the closing phases of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to complete seventh in his gorgeous debut in substitute of an ailing Carlos Sainz Jr.
“Yeah, [he] did an outstanding job earlier on this yr. Yeah, shiny younger expertise, and I believe it’s nice that the UK is pumping out numerous nice younger gifted drivers,” mentioned Hamilton. “I’d say Silverstone and the [British Racing Driving Club] have been part of that, I’d say, as a result of they do put money into younger and up-and-coming, numerous the game’s younger and up-and-coming drivers. I believe, yeah, I believe it’s superb for the game. Takes the stress off of all of us. No less than hopefully one of many Brits could be up there.”
“I believe he deserves it,” mentioned Norris. “I believe he confirmed in Saudi how good of a job he can do, even beneath the stress that he was in to carry out and get a lot out of the automotive in his first weekend. So I’m excited to see him on the grid subsequent yr and stay up for racing.”
George Russell, the winner of the Austrian Grand Prix, joined in on the reward for the younger British driver.
Y”eah, clearly Ollie’s a fantastic driver and it’s nice to see 4 Brits on the grid and I believe it simply goes to indicate the power of British motorsport. I believe after we raced in Karting, the competitors was so excessive and I believe that interprets into subsequent yr, 20% of the grid being Brits. Clearly, Alex [Albon], half British as effectively, so it’s nice to see him there and I’m positive he’ll do a fantastic job.”
Bearman is scheduled to participate in FP1 this week as a part of his reserve duties for Haas, earlier than taking up subsequent yr on a full-time foundation. He at present sits 14th within the F2 Drivers’ Championship standings and secured his first win of the season within the F2 Dash Race on the Austrian Grand Prix.
And if he wants some recommendation, he has a seven-time F1 champion winner he can flip to.
“No, no, I’ve not been requested to and it’s not even been a thought,” mentioned Hamilton if he was requested to take Bearman beneath his wing. “I don’t suppose he must. I believe he’s a pointy sufficient lad. And I believe, I imply, naturally, as one of many older drivers right here, my door’s all the time open if anybody ever has a query or any recommendation that’s wanted.”
