OLIVER Bearman is replacing Carlos Sainz as a Ferrari driver at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know about Formula 1’s freshest face.
Who is Oliver Bearman?
Bearman was raised in Chelmsford and studied at King Edward VI Grammar School.
The talented youngster joined Ferrari’s driver academy at the age of 16.
He quit school against his mother’s wishes and moved to Modena — close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.
In 2023, he came sixth in the Formula Two championship.
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On March 8, 2024, Bearman qualified for the F2 race in Saudi Arabia on pole.
However, he will now ditch his F2 commitments for the weekend after being promoted to replace Spaniard Sainz.
Bearman has been tipped as a future star after he was snapped up as part of Ferrari’s young driver scheme.
His road to the top began in 2021 as he won the F4 series in both Italy and Germany.
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After moving up to F3, the teen sensation finished in third and was promoted to F2 in 2023 with Prema Racing.
The racer featured in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi practice sessions with Haas during the 2023 season.
He impressed in Mexico, where he became Britain’s youngest-ever F1 driver, finishing ahead of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in practice.
His best lap time in Mexico City — in a Haas — was just 1.6 seconds slower than triple world champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of experienced teammate, Nico Hulkenberg.
Bearman will be the 165th British F1 driver and the first to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari car since Eddie Irvine 25 years ago.
His chance comes ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in 2025, but Bearman says it was fellow Brit Jenson Button who was his boyhood hero.
What is Oliver Bearman’s net worth?
Reports of Oliver’s net worth are limited and vary, but not dramatically.
F2 drivers are thought to typically earn between £80,000 to £150,000 per year, but pick up more money through sponsorship deals.
WikiAndFact estimates his fortune to be roughly £1million.
Whereas Woxikon says he has amassed around $2million (£1.6million) in his career so far.
As an up-and-coming racer who’s about to compete in his first Grand Prix, it’s safe to assume his wealth is set to rise.
When did Oliver Bearman join Ferrari?
Bearman has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021.
He is currently the reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas.
His F1 Grand Prix debut will be at the 2024 Saudi GP.
Why is he replacing Carlos Sainz in the Saudi Arabia Gran Prix?
Sainz will miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.
He was reportedly in hospital, having fallen ill since touching down in Jeddah.
Sainz came third in the opening race of the season in Bahrain on March 2, 2024.
But Saturday’s Saudi GP will see Oliver Bearman replace him.
When will Oliver Bearman be racing in F1 Grand Prix?
Bearman will be on the starting line for the Saudi GP at the age of 18.
The F1 race in Saudi runs to a similar schedule to the Bahrain Grand Prix, meaning qualifying will take place a day earlier than usual.
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Qualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP will begin at 8pm local time (5pm UK time) on Friday, March 8, 2024.
The Saudi Arabian GP will start at 8pm local time (5pm UK time) on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
