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      Cheeky Toto Wolff offers Marko Helmut a job amid fears he could be forced out of Red Bull after Christian Horner scandal

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      TOTO WOLFF has joked that Helmut Marko could play a role at Mercedes.It comes after reports suggested Marko could be forced out of his role as a Red Bull advisor.Toto Wolff has joked Mercedes could sign Hemlut Marko if he leaves Red BullCredit: GettyRed Bull have placed Helmut Marko under investigationCredit: GettyIt is said to come in relation to messages leaked regarding to the Christian Horner scandalCredit: GettyThe 80-year-old has been placed under investigation by Red Bull and will hold a meeting with Austrian team’s chief Oliver Mintzlaff in Saudi Arabia today.This enquiry is said to be related to the leaking of WhatsApp messages from an anonymous email claiming to be evidence of the internal report relating to the Christian Horner investigation.Marko, an ex-Formula One and winner of the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans, told Austrian broadcaster ORF: “It’s difficult to judge, or let’s put it this way, ultimately, I’ll decide for myself what I do. “The theoretical possibility [of suspension] always exists. It’s such a complex issue. Again, we want peace in the team. READ MORE IN F1″This world championship will be difficult enough with 24 races and we have to concentrate on that.”Amid the exit rumours, Wolff cheekily commented before the Saudi GP: “Marko could take the old place of Niki Lauda at Mercedes.”We are missing our old mascot anyway. Then we’ll just take Helmut! He fits in terms of age. He doesn’t have a red cap, but he can come to us.”Helmut is not a child of sadness and was – or is – our favourite enemy. But he is a real racer. If Helmut leaves, it is certainly a loss for Red Bull and for the team.”Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Marko’s future at Red Bull is set to be intertwined with Max Verstappen, who unequivocablly backed the Austrian.The three-time F1 champion told reporters: “I am loyal to Helmut. He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.”You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”A BBC Sport report claims a Red Bull source told them the plan was to suspend Marko, though a spokesperson later said: “That’s news to us.”Marko’s removal from his role would in theory allow Verstappen to break his £43million-a-year deal with Red Bull, paving a way for him to potentially join Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement in 2025.Marko’s future at Red Bull is linked to Max Verstappen’sCredit: GettyHe won an internal power struggle with Horner last year when he was awarded a new contract despite a dispute with the team principle.Horner, 50, was cleared after an internal report dismissed a claim from a female employee.SunSport revealed earlier this week that the employee who raised the initial complaint had been suspended on full pay.It triggered a fallout between Verstappen’s father Jos, who said Horner remaining at the team would cause it to “explode”.A fresh attack from Verstappen Snr saw him say it was “too late” for Horner to draw a line under the sexting scandal which had engulfed F1.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 52-year-old told the Mail: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now. If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”Verstappen claimed pole in Jeddah by more than three tenths of a second and is looking to make it back-to-back wins to start the 2024 F1 season.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen could take Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes in shake-up as Red Bull row threatens to blow team apart

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could quit Red Bull and seal a shock move to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.There is set to be a huge shake-up on the grid at the end of the year with the seven-time world champion joining Ferrari. Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull amid suggestions Helmut Marko may departCredit: GettyThere will be a space at Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton going to FerrariCredit: GettyVerstappen still has five years to run on his £43million-a-year contract at Red Bull – but he could depart with the team in crisis.The Dutchman is fuming over suggestions that Helmut Marko could be suspended amid the fallout from the Christian Horner investigation.Marko, who is a team adviser at Red Bull, will meet chief Oliver Mintzlaff at Saturday’s Saudi Grand Prix.Should he leave, there are rumours it will upset Verstappen and potentially even trigger a break clause in his contract.READ MORE IN F1It could, therefore, pave the way for him to fill the space left by Hamilton at Mercedes.Verstappen has already been angered by Marko’s possible departure, saying: “I am loyal to Helmut. “He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.Most read in Motorsport”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.”You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext rowMeanwhile, chiefs at Red Bull’s HQ continue to wade through the mess after Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour after allegations from a female employee.He was then subject of a smear campaign after an anonymous email leaked a series of WhatsApp conversations claiming to be evidence of the internal report.There is also an ongoing feud between Horner and Verstappen’s father Jos after the duo were involved in a heated argument at the Bahrain GP last weekend. Despite rising tensions, Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell has stood by him and she is again expected at the Grand Prix in Jeddah. More

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      Jos Verstappen says it’s ‘too late’ for Christian Horner to ‘draw line under’ sext scandal as he backs suspended worker

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      JOS Verstappen says it’s “too late” for F1 boss Christian Horner to “draw a line” under the sexting scandal which has engulfed him.The former racing driver also gave his backing to the female Red Bull employee who was suspended after the row hit breaking point.Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, right, and Jos Verstappen, left, before the F1 Austrian Grand Prix in July 2023Credit: RexRed Bull CEO Franz Watzlawick and Horner speak today prior to the Saudi F1Credit: GettyWorld champion Max Verstappen, right, and his dad Jos Verstappen, leftCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell is expected to stand by her husband Horner at the Saudi F1 todayCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell, 51, is today expected to stand by her sext probe husband at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.The pop icon has been staying in Dubai as Horner, 50, battled a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Former Grand Prix ace Jos, 52, who is the father of current world champion and Red Bull’s prime driver Max Verstappen spoke for the first time since the unidentified staffer was suspended.He told MailOnline: “I sympathise with the woman, with all that she went through, but we will see what happens.”Read more on Christian HornerWhen asked if it was time to “draw a line” under the situation, as Horner this week insisted people do, Jos said: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now.”If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”Jos denied there being any truth to speculation that he and the woman are involved in any way and said Red Bull seemed to know what they were doing with regards to her situation.He added that his chief concern was his son Max – his happiness and how the scandal was affecting him.Most read in MotorsportThe press conference in Saudi Arabia where Horner said it was time to “focus on what is going on on track” was, Jos said, all about him when it should have been about Max, his performance, and the car.He said he believed Horner is causing problems if he stays in his £8million-a-year job.Ben Hunt gives update Christian Horner sexting accuser is SUSPENDED by Red Bull after Geri Halliwell’s demands she be ‘out of the picture’Jos previously claimed that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.His son Max later said in reply to a question about the comment: “I don’t know, I hope not! It shouldn’t be. It’s a strong company, it’s a strong team, a lot of strong team members, so normally not.”He added: “Ideally as a team, you wouldn’t like to have these moments, but it also shows that I think we are all focused on our job and that’s to perform on the track.”Horner and Jos were this week seen locked in what appeared to be a fiery argument during the F1 season opener.Rumours had already began swirling that Jos and Horner had been clashing for months – and the pair reportedly had an explosive row on Friday evening.Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner were dismissed by a barrister-led probe.Ginger Spice Geri has been left heartbroken by the scandal, which erupted when the raft of embarrassing messages were released online on the eve of the F1 season opener.The pop icon put on a toe-curling show of unity at last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix in which Red Bull pulled off a perfect 1-2 triumph led by world champ Max Verstappen.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

      Geri wanted her husband to cut all contact with his accuser – but he found it impossible to comply as they remained in regular contact at work.The staffer, who is understood to have worked at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks, was suspended on full pay.The ongoing saga dogging Red Bull has been complicated by behind-the-scenes clashes between star driver Verstappen’s father Jos and Horner.Insiders said Jos had become close to the woman – but he has strenuously denied being the text leaker while warning Horner’s team will “explode” if he is not ousted.Red Bull Racing said: “The company cannot comment on this internal matter.”Horner was seen in the Saudi Arabia paddock today for practice ahead of the next race without Geri by his side.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeri was mid-air on her way to Bahrain after her husband was cleared when the texts were published widely online via an anonymous email drop.Halliwell and Horner have been married since 2015 and share a son.Horner pictured yesterday ahead of the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: RexJos during the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand PrixCredit: RexMax Verstappen, centre, talks with Horner, left, and Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko, rightCredit: GettyJos Verstappen, right, says his chief concern is his son Max, leftCredit: PAThe cleared Red Bull chief has heaped praise on his supportive wife GeriCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen threatens to QUIT Red Bull if Helmut Marko is forced out as Christian Horner sexting fallout rages on

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has threatened to walk out from Red Bull if Helmut Marko is forced out as the explosive fallout from the Christian Horner investigation continues.Marko fears he could be suspended as Red Bull’s Austria HQ as they wade through the mess after Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour.Max Verstappen has delivered a stunning threat to Red BullCredit: APHe says he could walk out if Helmut Marko is forced to leave the F1 teamCredit: GettyHe will meet Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff tomorrow at the Saudi GP after being quizzed about the rumour that he could be suspended and forced to miss the next race in Australia.Marko, who is a Red Bull employee as opposed to a member of the race team, told the Austrian broadcaster ORF the “theoretical possibility exists”.He then added: “In the end I decide for myself what I’m going to do.”It comes a day after Sun Online revealed that the female employee who raised the initial complaint had been suspended on full pay.READ MORE ON SPORTAnd Verstappen, who took pole position in Jeddah for this weekend’s Saudi Grand Prix, is furious by suggestions Marko could be forced out.He said: “I am loyal to Helmut. He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”Horner, 50, was cleared after an internal report dismissed a claim from a female employee.Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext rowHowever, he was then subject of a smear campaign after an anonymous email leaked a series of WhatsApp conversations claiming to be evidence of the internal report.It triggered a bombastic fallout between Verstappen’s father Jos, who said Horner remaining at the team would cause it to “explode”.SunSport understands Marko was also under strict instructions from Red Bull HQ not to speak to the media.However, he has now spoken about the latest twist in this on-going saga that threatens to rip the team apart.It is another sensational development and should he be found guilty of releasing confidential information then he could face disciplinary action himself.Should he be forced to go, there is a rumour in the paddock that it could trigger a clause in Verstappen’s contract.Therefore, Marko’s removal from his role would in theory allow him to break his £43m a year deal with Red Bull that still has five years to run, paving a way for him to join Mercedes.SunSport understands that Red Bull Racing could now be forced to test the Dutchman’s resolve as his future hangs in the balance.Horner has been battling a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Max Verstappen (R) has sided with his dad Jos (L) in Red Bull’s bitter rowCredit: GettyHorner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague following an internal investigation.But the Red Bull boss was then plunged back into a crisis following an anonymous email leak of WhatsApp exchanges claiming to be evidence from the investigation.He now says that he wants to “draw a line” under the scandal while saluting his “phenomenally supportive” wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeri – who was left in tears when the scandal broke – stood by her husband last week in an awkward show of solidarity in Bahrain after hundreds of embarrassing messages were leaked.And Ginger Spice will join Horner at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix tomorrow in another public show of support.Geri Halliwell will be behind her man Christian Horner again this weekendCredit: Getty🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Oliver Bearman passed driving test in MAY and had just hour to practise in Ferrari before becoming youngest Brit F1 star

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      ESSEX boy Oliver Bearman has become Britain’s latest – and youngest – F1 star after making his debut for Ferrari.The 18-year-old, who only passed his driving test in May, was called up as an 11th hour replacement for Carlos Sainz, who suffered appendicitis.Ferrari’s reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepped onto the main stage at the last minute with a superb drive in JeddahCredit: AFPBearman and girlfriend Estelle Ogilvy have had a momentous few monthsBearman turned in a stunning display to earn 11th spot on the gridCredit: GettyHis partner Estelle is a law student and TikTok starCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceThe Spaniard was taken to hospital where he underwent an operation as said to be recovering well.Bearman only had an hour’s practice to get up to speed with the Ferrari before qualifying for Saturday’s Saudi Arabian GP.And he defied the odds with a brilliant performance to take 11th on the grid – coming within just 0.036 seconds from knocking Lewis Hamilton out from qualifying.Bearman made the slightest of mistakes during turns 22 and 23 otherwise he’d have dumped out Hamilton from the second qualifying session.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe was cheered on by his dad, David, who watched in Ferrari’s garage and winced as his son brushed the walls at high speed and bounced over the kerbs.And Bearman Junior revealed he was in the dark about his incredible call-up until the eleventh hour.He said: “I woke up this morning fully prepared for my F2 race and I got the call late in the day, just a few hours before FP3 that I would be doing it.”Not the circumstance I would wish to be making my F1 debut. I wish the best to Carlos and I hope he recovers well but this is a great opportunity.Most read in Motorsport”I honestly did not have time to get nervous, because I did not have time and it was so late that I needed to get ready to go out on track and make up for lost time.”That made my life a little more difficult and I was flat out with the engineers trying to figure everything out to get up to speed as quickly as possible.TikToker Estelle Ogilvy’s glam life as she splits time between jetting to watch F1 boyfriend Oliver Bearman and studying Bearman drove for the Haas F1 team last season in the practice sessions in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi.Raised in Chelmsford, and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, he joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16.He quit school – against his mum’s request and moved to Modena close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.He has previously won the Italian Formula Formula 4 and German Formula 4 titles , both in 2021.Last year he was sixth in the Formula Two championship and on Thursday he qualified for the F2 race here in Saudi Arabia on pole.However, he will now ditch his F2 commitments for this weekend after being promoted to replace Sainz.Bearman is the first Brit to drive for F1’s most famous team since Nigel Mansell in 1990.He added: “I have honestly spoken to no one since the announcement, my phone is going crazy but I will try and have a chat with my mum tonight.The Chelmsford starlet reflects on a job well doneCredit: Getty”I think my dad was in the garage but I did not see him at all. I was in the car and then in the garage and back in the car.” It has been such a quick progression in my career. Two years ago I was still in F4 and I only did my first F1 test three or four months ago.”So it has been a quick progression. And to make my F1 debut in red, hopefully it is a sign to come.”Meanwhile, Max Verstappen took a routine pole as nobody was able to match his pace around the street circuit in Jeddah.He put aside the internal conflict between his dad Jos and team boss Christian Horner.And in the latest development in the on-going saga, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko could now face disciplinary action.The 80-year-old is understood to be under investigation for his role in the internal investigation.He was also under strict instructions not to speak to the media, but in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF he said he could now miss the next race in Australia.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is another sensational development and should he be found guilty of releasing confidential information then he could face disciplinary action.Should he be sacked, there is a suspicion in the paddock that it could trigger a clause in the Dutchman’s contract, paving a way for him to break his contract with Red Bull to join Mercedes. More

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      Red Bull chief Helmut Marko ‘faces SUSPENSION’ in fresh chaos for F1 team following Christian Horner sexting storm

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      RED BULL’S team advisor Helmut Marko reportedly fears he could be SUSPENDED following the Christian Horner sexting storm.The 80-year-old has played a major role in Red Bull’s Formula One success over recent years.Red Bull’s consultant Helmut Marko pictured with Christian HornerCredit: GettyThe 80-year-old says he could potentially be suspended after this weekendCredit: GettyHowever, he now thinks that his future working with them may be up in the air and he may not even make it to the Australian GP on March 24.Marko was also under strict instructions not to speak to the media and, should he be found guilty of releasing confidential information, then he could face disciplinary action.Marko was quizzed about the rumour that he would be forced to miss the next race in Australia and he told the Austrian broadcaster ORF the “theoretical possibility exists”.Should he be sacked, there is a suspicion in the paddock that it could trigger a clause in Verstappen’s contract, paving a way for him to break his pact with Red Bull to join Mercedes.READ MORE ON BOXINGIt comes a day after Sun Online revealed that the female employee who raised the initial complaint had been suspended on full pay.But Verstappen, who took pole position in Jeddah for this weekend’s Saudi Grand Prix, is furious by suggestions Marko could be forced out.He said: “I am loyal to Helmut. He is a big and  important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.Most read in Motorsport”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”This new distraction is something neither team principal or Verstappen will want to see.F1 Correspondent Ben Hunt on Red Bull and Christian Horner and the Formula One testing in BahrainThe 50-year-old Horner has been battling a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague following an internal investigation.But the Red Bull boss was then plunged back into a crisis following an anonymous email leak of WhatsApp exchanges claiming to be evidence from the investigation.He now says that he wants to “draw a line” under the scandal while saluting his “phenomenally supportive” wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.Geri – who was left in tears when the scandal broke – stood by her husband last week in an awkward show of solidarity in Bahrain after hundreds of embarrassing messages were leaked.And Ginger Spice will join Horner at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix tomorrow in another public show of support.Meanwhile, Verstappen has sided with his dad in the bitter row that threatens to rip Red Bull apart.Jos Verstappen claimed following his son’s win in Bahrain last week that Red Bull would “explode” should Horner remain in charge.Verstappen, who as a result of his dad’s row with Horner, has since been linked with a switch to Mercedes, said: “My dad is always very outspoken. He’s not a liar, that’s for sure.”When asked further about his relationship with his father and manager, Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen says they will ALWAYS be by his side while he is racing in F1.Geri Halliwell will be behind her man Christian Horner again this weekendCredit: GettyMax Verstappen (R) has sided with his dad Jos (L) in Red Bull’s bitter rowCredit: GettyHe added: “I don’t see myself in F1 without them by my side for sure.”He was then asked about his dad’s comment that Red Bull could “explode”, to which Verstappen replied: “I don’t know, I hope not! It shouldn’t be. It’s a strong company, it’s a strong team, a lot of strong team members, so normally not.”If you have arguments or not, there’s always things that can be worked out.“Everyone is man enough and respectful enough to each other in that sense.“I’ve also not also agreed with everything that happened, not talking about lately or whatever, just in general in F1.“Sometimes it’s good to have a discussion about things. You might agree to disagree sometimes, that’s what happens in a relationship.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not about being isolated from it. I think you could see in Bahrain that it doesn’t affect the performance of the team.“Ideally as a team, you wouldn’t like to have these moments, but it also shows that I think we are all focused on our job and that’s to perform on the track.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      ‘Sorry’ – Brit F1 star Oliver Bearman’s gutted reaction as 18-year-old is knocked out of Saudi Arabian GP qualifying

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      OLIVER BEARMAN narrowly missed out on making Q3 on his Formula One debut in Saudi Arabia.The teen will start P11 in Saturday’s race after an impressive qualifier.”That was a good lap” “Sorry” 💔Ollie Bearman was so close to making Q3 on his F1 debut and will start P11 in tomorrow’s race 😮 pic.twitter.com/k8PuyPOt4W— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 8, 2024

      Oliver Bearman will start P11 in Saturday’s raceThe teen apologised after missing out by a fraction of a secondCredit: AFPBearman was a late call up to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz withdrew due to injury.But he impressed in qualifying and almost made Q3, which would have given him a chance to place higher on the grid.Bearman lost out to compatriot Sir Lewis Hamilton but his team bosses offered encouragement as he finished.One said: “That was a good lap, good last sector.”READ MORE IN F1The 18-year-old replied: “Sorry.”Bearman missed out on Q2 by just 0.036 seconds, with the teen describing it as a “messy session”.His team responded saying: “It was a tough one. Super difficult.”Bearman’s team-mate Charles Leclerc also impressed and qualified for Saturday’s race in second place on the grid, with Max Verstappen taking pole.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But for Bearman it is all a learning experience with the Essex youngster set to become Britain’s youngest ever Formula 1 driver.He will also be the first Brit to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine in 1999.Who is Ferrari’s new star Oliver BearmanAfter qualifying Bearman said: “I woke up this morning fully prepared for my F2 race and I got the call late in the day, just a few hours before FP3 that I would be doing it.”Not the circumstance I would wish to be making my F1 debut. I wish the best to Carlos and I hope he recovers well but this is a great opportunity.”I honestly did not have time to get nervous, because I did not have time and it was so late that I needed to get ready to go out on track and make up for lost time.”That made my life a little more difficult and I was flat out with the engineers trying to figure everything out to get up to speed as quickly as possible.”I have honestly spoken to no one since the announcement, my phone is going crazy but I will try and have a chat with my mum tonight.”I think my dad was in the garage but I did not see him at all. I was in the car and then in the garage and back in the car.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It has been such a quick progression in my career. Two years ago I was still in F4 and I only did my first F1 test three or four months ago.”So it has been a quick progression. And to make my F1 debut in red, hopefully it is a sign to come.” More

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      Meet Oliver Bearman, 18, the record-breaking Brit F1 star making Ferrari debut who is ‘dating famous TikTok star’

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      OLIVER BEARMAN will make his Formula One debut at this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has withdrawn from the race to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.Oliver Bearman will make his F1 debut this weekendCredit: GettyBearman will replace the ill Carlos Sainz at the Saudi GPCredit: GettyHe has impressed in F2 this seasonCredit: GettyBearman was picked up by Ferrari at the age of 16Credit: Instagram / @davidbearman87He left his family home in Essex aged 16 to pursue a career at FerrariCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87Bearman, 18, has been selected as his replacement after he secured pole position in yesterday’s F2 qualifying at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.He will break Lando Norris’ record as Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver and be the first Brit to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine in 1999. Bearman has been tipped as a future star after winning the F4 series in both Italy and Germany in 2021.After climbing up to F3, the teen sensation finished third and was then promoted to F2 last year with Prema Racing.READ MORE IN F1He has already caught the attention of his fellow F1 racers after impressing in practice sessions during the 2023 season.Bearman got behind the wheel of a Haas car in Mexico City last year.His best lap time at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was just 1.6 seconds slower than three-time champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of experienced team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.However, the Brit was quicker than veteran Fernando Alonso, who won the 2005 World Championship when he was just a matter of months old.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Bearman has also turned heads away from the track and is reportedly dating TikTok star Estelle Ogilvy.The influencer has 72,000 followers, with the loved-up couple choosing to keep their relationship off fans’ social media feeds for the time being. The Sun’s Ben Hunt previews ‘high speed’ and ‘dangerous’ Saudi Grand PrixBorn in Chelmsford, Bearman comes from a racing obsessed family.His father David is a former go-kart driver, who also drove under the No87, and his young brother Thomas is also a highly-rated racer for KR Sport.Bearman dominated British Karting, having hit the circuit for the first time at the age of eight.He was spotted by Ferrari aged 16 and was snapped up as part of their young driver programme.Interest from the Italian giants saw Bearman quit school – to the annoyance of his mother Terri – in favour of moving within a few miles of Ferrari’s HQ in Modena.Since relocating from Essex, his voice has slightly changed with some claiming he now has an Italian twang.On the move, Bearman said: “A lot of people have told me my accent has changed even if I don’t notice it. “I spend a lot of time with Italians and to communicate with people where English is not their first language is not easy, so I have changed my word order and ended up with this everywhere accent.”Maybe I got a bit lucky not to get the Essex accent.”When I moved to Modena it happened pretty quickly. “It was like going to university two years early, but I have loved every moment so far. “My mum was very pro-school and very pro-education, but we managed to convince her in the end.”I miss my family, my two dogs – that is the negative side.”But the food in Italy is a big chunk above the English stuff, the weather is better, too.”Bearman’s boyhood hero is Jenson Button, who has already singled out the wonderkid for praise. On his love for the 2009 champion, Bearman said: “I heard Jenson was praising me on Sky, and that was amazing for me to hear.”I don’t know why, but he was always the guy I loved and really looked up to. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is cool that he recognised my performance in practice and I will try to speak to him.”Bearman will take to the grid for qualifying tonight ahead of tomorrow’s race at 5pm.Bearman first raced at the age of eightCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87The No87 is nod to his dad, who also used the numberCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87His father David is a motorsport enthusiastCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87Bearman was on pole in Saudi in F2 before getting the call amid Sainz’s illnessCredit: GettyHe is a future star and impressed in practice sessions for Haas last termCredit: Getty More