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      Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman FAILED his first driving test by faulting at lights leaving him asking ‘what the hell?’

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      TEEN F1 star Oliver Bearman flunked his first driving test by messing up at lights.The 18-year-old pipped idol Lewis Hamilton in a stunning debut race in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.F1 sensation Oliver Bearman at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on SaturdayCredit: APDespite joining Ferrari’s academy at 16, he failed his first driving test due to a gaffe at the traffic lightsCredit: UNPIXSBut despite joining Ferrari’s academy at 16, he needed a second test attempt before being allowed on UK roads.Oliver is said to have failed over “response to traffic lights”, which probably means he pulled away too quickly.He enlisted the help of David Currey for a two-hour lesson before passing in October 2022.David, 52, who lives near Chelmsford, Essex, said: “He got in touch over Instagram because I live in his family’s village. READ MORE ON FORMULA ONEI could see from his pictures that he was an F3 driver at the time.“We did the lesson in his BMW. I felt totally safe even though I didn’t have my foot controls. “He had failed his test before on a traffic-light fault. I am not sure if it was for running an amber. Maybe he didn’t stop.“Or it could have been how he was positioned at the lights. When he failed he was a bit like, ‘What the hell’.Most read in Motorsport“I mean, he has been driving since a kid. But he was so polite and just wanted to learn how to pass.“He asked a lot of questions and seemed very down-to-earth, a great lad. Proud Oliver with his test certificate after passingOliver together with girlfriend Estelle OgilvyCredit: InstagramTikToker Estelle Ogilvy’s glam life as she splits time between jetting to watch F1 boyfriend Oliver Bearman and studying “When he sent me a text saying he had passed with no minors I wrote, ‘Well done lad!’.”David, an instructor for 12 years and who charges £37 an hour, added: “Oliver sent me a picture of him and his pass certificate. I only have two or three students a year that pass with no faults.“His dad and family deserve all the credit. His road test was only a small part but I’m proud I helped him pass it.”Oliver’s F1 chance at Jeddah came when he was drafted in for Spaniard Carlos Sainz.He finished seventh, with seven-time champion Lewis ninth. Asked what he would say to Oliver after his recent success, David said: “I would say, keep going to absolute legend. But if I see him back home then I don’t want to do any racing with him.“I don’t want a burn out at the red lights in the village.” More

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      Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian Horner

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      GERI Halliwell’s Spice Girls bandmates are “rallying behind” her amid her F1 boss husband’s ongoing sexting scandal, Mel B has revealed.The Scary Spice star admitted she felt “really sad” for Geri as her Red Bull Racing chief husband Christian Horner’s reputation remains on the line.Geri, centre, is being supported by her Spice Girls bandmatesCredit: AlamyThe Ginger Spice star put on a united front with husband Horner over the weekendCredit: GettyHorner, 50, has been under intense pressure after a slew of sexually suggestive text messages apparently sent to an employee were leaked.The F1 boss has always denied any wrongdoing – and was cleared by an internal investigation at Red Bull.But Geri is said to be “in turmoil” over the sexting storm.Mel B has now revealed the Spice Girls stars are supporting Geri.More on Geri HalliwellThe singer, 48, told Good Morning Britain: “When you are going through something like that you do need your friends and family and we are all supporting her.”I feel really sad for Geri.”Horner and Geri put on a united front over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The ex-popstar was on hand to watch Horner’s all-conquering driver Max Verstappen claim another victory despite the internal drama.Most read in MotorsportBut Geri is said to be having “second thoughts” about joining her former bandmates for a rumoured Spice Girls 30th anniversary reunion.A source told the Mail: “Thirty years should be a special moment for her.Geri Halliwell appears WITHOUT Red Bull F1 boss husband Christian Horner at Commonwealth Day Service amid sexting storm”That she’s having second thoughts shows the level of turmoil she is in.”Getting everything back on an even keel is what she will beconcentrating on.”She wants a low-profile existence now.”Addressing rumours of a Spice Girls reunion, Mel B said today: “I’m always the one saying we are getting together and always getting told off for it.”We are doing something – I just can’t say it.”It comes as Geri yesterday stepped out without her embattled husband as she attended the Commonwealth Day Service.She smiled for the cameras as she once again wore a trademark all-white ensemble for the service at Westminister Abbey in London.It was the first time she has been seen at a public event without her husband since the scandal broke last month.What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.While Horner was cleared of the colleague’s initial accusations of controlling behaviour on February 28 – the company turmoil did not end there.Just 24 hours later a dossier of the father-of-two’s embarrassing and seedy text messages were leaked.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.

      The intimate messages raised questions about Red Bull’s international investigation and put the spotlight firmly on wife Geri’s appearance in Bahrain days later.While the couple put on a public – if awkward – display of support for the F1 opener, reports suggest things behind the scenes are rocky.Geri reportedly laid down the law for his behaviour moving forwards and demanded he cut off contact with the woman.She was later suspended from Red Bull.Tensions within the team itself have also been steadily increasing for weeks.The biggest rift so far has sprung up between Horner and his star driver – Max Verstappen’s – father Jos.Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.A source told The Sun said over the weekend: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”Geri was seen without her hubby on MondayCredit: GettyMel B and Geri at a Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ferrari ‘want to poach key Red Bull staff for Hamilton’s arrival’ as they take advantage of Horner sexting scandal

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      FERRARI are looking to capitalise on Red Bull’s scandal surrounding Christian Horner by poaching some of their key staff members, according to reports.Red Bull have been rocked by a sexting scandal involving team principal Christian Horner.The scandal surrounding Christian Horner is engulfing Red BullCredit: RexFerrari are eyeing up Red Bull staff members as they prepare to welcome Lewis Hamilton next nextCredit: RexThe Brit, 50, who is married to Spice Girls star Geri Haliwell, was cleared of any wrongdoing following claims made by a female colleague about his behaviour.But fractures within the Red Bull team are still making headlines as world champion Max Verstappen backed advisor Helmut Marko and threatened to quit amid reports Marko could be suspended by the team for allegedly leaking evidence from the investigation.It has also been reported the female colleague that made the accusations against Horner is set to appeal.Now yet more bad news seems to be engulfing the constructors champions as their main rivals look to take advantage of their predicament.READ MORE IN F1According to Gazetta dello Sport, Ferrari have “acted promptly to intensify contacts with various members” of the Red Bull team.The Italians, who will welcome seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton to the team for the 2025 season, are being linked with Red Bull’s on-track aerodynamic development officer David Morgan, head of performance Ben Waterhouse, and leader of their aerodynamic development team Alessandro Germani.They were also previously said to be interested in technical director Pierre Wache and head of aerodynamics Enrico Balbo.If chief technician Adrian Newey ever opted to leave Red Bull, it is also understood Ferrari would seek to snap him up.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Brit Morgan, who previously worked with Williams as a track aerodynamicist, has been with Red Bull for six years.Germani joined Red Bull 10 years ago, while Waterhouse has been working in the industry for more than two decades.Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian HornerMeanwhile, Red Bull were forced to deny reports they were considering sacking Horner on Monday.The claims stated bosses were considering axing the team principal before the Australian Grand Prix on March 24.On the track, Red Bull have made the perfect start to the season, securing one-two finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.Verstappen, seeking a fourth successive world title, has won both in dominant fashion. More

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      Christian Horner was right to call out Max Verstappen in Red Bull feud – but defiant words could come back to bite him

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      IT has been a turbulent and questionable time for under pressure Red Bull boss Christian Horner, but his decision to call out Max Verstappen was the right way to go.The rumblings in the Verstappen camp is that the reigning world champion could quit Red Bull in the foreseeable future.The troubled saga at Red Bull, including the situation between world champ Max Verstappen and team boss Christian Horner, could get messierCredit: APVarious explanations have been offered, one being they are unhappy with Horner following the messy internal investigation.Another is their loyalty to 80-year-old Helmut Marko, who has seen his position as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor diminished by Horner’s over-reaching title as team boss and CEO of Red Bull Racing.Another suggestion doing the rounds in the paddock – and not from the Verstappens – centres on money.It is reported that Verstappen earns around £43million a year from Red Bull Racing.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe also has a win bonus structure that is capped at a certain number of race wins.His contract, which runs until 2028, already makes him the highest paid driver in F1, but his earning potential has a ceiling.Whatever the reason for the discontent, Horner is at least sure that no individual is bigger than the team, including himself.He has told Verstappen that if he doesn’t want to be part of the team, he can walk, presumably joining Mercedes, whose team boss Toto Wolff said he’d do handstands if he signed the world champ.Most read in MotorsportIt is difficult to see why Verstappen would want to quit Red Bull.They have built him a car that has been unstoppable and he looks set to win the title again this season.Mercedes meanwhile have built a succession of duds and even Lewis Hamilton has put his loyalty to one side to jump ship to Ferrari.Christian Horner lifestyleLast week, in these pages I urged Max Verstappen to stand up for himself and make his own choice.But he made it clear at the Saudi Arabian GP he would not be without either his dad or manager, Raymond Vermeulen, by his side.Horner’s bullish words could now come back to bite him and the Verstappen camp will be even more determined to push through a switch to Mercedes.Only Bear pits himself wellOLIVER BEARMAN’s performance in Saudi Arabia masked what was another dull race.The 18-year-old from Essex defied expectations to finish seventh after being called up as an 11th hour replacement for Carlos Sainz, who had emergency surgery to remove his appendix.British teen Oliver Bearman was a rare beacon in a dull GPCredit: RexBearman’s heroics were great to watch – unlike the rest of the race.The optimists keep pointing out that the rest of the pack, once you’ve taken Verstappen and Sergio Perez out of the equation, is quite tight.And that much is true. There was indeed a tight battle between the cars running in 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th – all for zero points.F1 has a problem with all of this success for Verstappen as it has all become too predictable.It goes against the essence of American sports where it is about unpredictability.I fear that as his winning streak continues, which it will do, it could hit the TV viewers in the US that F1’s owners have tried to attract.Ferrari Los will be someone else’s gainCARLOS SAINZ checked himself out of hospital so he could make Saturday’s race – despite undergoing surgery hours earlier.The Spanish driver is a real team player.He will be let go by Ferrari at the end of this year to make way for Lewis Hamilton, and was clearly in pain and moving very gingerly as he walked in the paddock.But he still showed up for work to help out young Bearman, his replacement.Few other drivers in F1 would have done the same.No JoshingBRAVEST man of the week was the security guard who would not allow Anthony Joshua to join Sky F1’s pre-race coverage.Fresh from his win over Francis Ngannou, AJ was stopped from walking over a roped-off section and not allowed to speak to host Simon Lazenby until a producer intervened.It was soon all smiles for Anthony Joshua at the Jeddah Corniche CircuitCredit: GettyBag of tricksMOTOGP champion Francesco Bagnaia won the Qatar GP to get his season off to a flying start.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn an ominous warning he also said his Ducati was able to “go faster”.The two-time MotoGP champion led every lap as he got the better of Brad Binder and Jorge Martin. More

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      Felipe Massa sues F1 for £62million in damages over crash that handed Lewis Hamilton his first world title

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S 2008 world title has been legally challenged by former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.The Brazilian, who dramatically lost out to Hamilton on the final lap of that season, has filed a lawsuit against F1, the FIA and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.Lewis Hamilton won the F1 world championship in 2008Credit: APFelipe Massa was undone by Nelson Piquet Jr’s crash at the Singapore GPCredit: RexWhile he is not looking to overturn Hamilton’s title win, Massa, 42, is suing for over £62m he claims he lost in earnings after missing out on not being crowned world champion.The charge relates to the 2008 Singapore GP where Nelson Piquet Jr was told to crash on purpose to help out his then-team-mate Fernando Alonso.Massa believes that if the crash was properly scrutinised, he would have been crowned the 2008 champion over Hamilton, who won the title by a point.A statement from Massa’s legal representatives said: “Mr Massa is seeking declarations that the FIA breached its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Nelson Piquet Junior’s crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, and that had it acted properly, Mr Massa would have won the Drivers’ Championship that year.READ MORE ON F1″Mr Massa also seeks damages for the significant financial loss he has suffered due to the FIA’s failure, in which Mr Ecclestone and FOM were also complicit.”As Mr Ecclestone has admitted there was ‘enough information in time to investigate the matter’ in 2008 and ‘cancel the race in Singapore’.”Mr Ecclestone further affirmed that, had the results of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix been cancelled, ‘Felipe Massa would have become world champion’ and that Mr Massa ‘was cheated out of the title he deserved’.”Attempts to find an amicable resolution have been unsuccessful, leaving Mr Massa with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings.Most read in Motorsport”Recent events naturally demonstrate that issues of transparency and integrity in Formula One remain relevant, and it is clear that serious work is needed to restore its credibility and long-term future.”Although the FIA investigation in 2009 concluded that it had ‘never before considered charges as serious’, even after the revelations brought forward last year, the results of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix still stand and remain officially sanctioned by the FIA.”Inside the top secret Mercedes facility that Lewis Hamilton uses before every F1 race and is adapted to every track Hamilton declined to comment when SunSport approached his representatives for comment. The 2008 disappointment came two years after Massa finished third in the F1 drivers’ standings.He was unable to clinch the top crown, while Hamilton has since added a further six world titles to draw level with Michael Schumacher. The Brit finished second on debut in 2007 and again in both 2016 and 2021, the latter coming in devastating fashion when he was controversially overtaken on the final lap by Max Verstappen.Piquet Jr’s crash was the centre of the controversyCredit: Reuters More

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      Geri Halliwell appears WITHOUT Red Bull F1 boss husband Christian Horner at Commonwealth Day Service amid sexting storm

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      GERI Halliwell has stepped out without embattled F1 boss husband Christian Horner amid the ongoing sexting storm at Red Bull.The ex-Spice Girl smiled for the cameras as she once again wore a trademark all-white ensemble.Geri Halliwell was seen without her hubby Christian HornerCredit: GettyGeri arrived for the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster AbbeyCredit: PAShe wore her trademark all-white ensemble once againCredit: GettyHorner and Geri have been married since 2015Credit: GettyShe was seen arriving for the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminister Abbey in London. It is the first time she has been seen at a public event without her husband since the scandal broke last month.Horner has been under pressure after a slew of sexually suggestive text messages apparently sent to an employee were leaked. The F1 boss has always denied any wrongdoing – and was cleared by an internal investigation at Red Bull. READ MORE ON HORNERGeri, 51, has been standing by her man over the drama which is rocking the world championship-winning F1 team.But it has been reported she is “in turmoil” over the sext row.Horner and Geri put on a united front over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The ex-popstar was on hand to watch Horner’s all-conquering driver Max Verstappen claim another victory despite the internal drama. Most read in MotorsportShe now appears to have jetted home from the track to appear at the event – which is expected to be attended by Prince William. His wife Princess Kate is expected to not attend amid the Royal photo-editing drama. ‘We’re always grateful’, says Christian Horner as he hails wife Geri Halliwell in Mother’s Day post amid sexting scandalGeri’s husband Christian appears to have missed the event – with Red Bull now readying for the next race.The couple have been married since 2015 – and they have a son, Monty, 7. F1 has a two week break ahead of the upcoming Grand Prix in Australia. Red Bull finished first and second in the first two races as they carried on from their domination in 2023. And today the team was forced to respond after claims a key shareholder was looking at axing Horner.It was reported Chalerm Yoodivhya, an ally of Horner and 51 per cent owner of Red Bull, had changed his mind on keeping the Brit in post at the Milton Keynes-based team.But Red Bull quickly poured cold water on the claims. Erik van Haren, the journalist who broke the original story, reported that a spokesperson for the racing camp was forced to quell rumours of a firing. They said: “As Christian has said, he is grateful for the full support of the shareholders and that remains the case.”What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.Geri joined Christian in Saudi Arabia for the Grand PrixCredit: GettyAnd the two looked delighted as Red Bull won againCredit: GettySCANDAL… 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.

      While Horner was cleared of the colleague’s initial accusations of controlling behaviour on February 28 – the company turmoil did not end there.Just 24 hours later a dossier of the father-of-two’s embarrassing and seedy text messages were leaked.The intimate messages raised questions about Red Bull’s international investigation and put the spotlight firmly on wife Geri Halliwell’s appearance in Bahrain days later.While the couple put on a public – if awkward – display of support for the F1 opener, reports suggest things behind the scenes are rocky.The former Spice Girl, 51, reportedly laid down the law for his behaviour moving forwards and demanded he cut off contact with the woman.She was later suspended from Red Bull.Tensions within the team itself have also been steadily increasing for weeks.The biggest rift so far has sprung up between Horner and his star driver – Max Verstappen’s – father Jos.Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.A source told The Sun said over the weekend: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.”Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”And on Saturday at the Saudi races, Horner hugged and shared a joke with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the race as both parties tried to draw a line under their recent spat.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven Helmut Marko, the outspoken Austrian who works as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor and who had clearly aligned himself with Horner’s rival, Jos Verstappen, appealed for calm – just 24 hours after hinting he could be suspended.Horner has saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.Geri and Christian are regularly seen together looking loved-upCredit: Instagram/gerihalliwellhorner More

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      Brit F1 wonderkid Oliver Bearman caught in awkward moment as he calls rival ‘so slow’ seconds before he walks past

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      FORMULE ONE’S newest young gun was involved in an awkward moment after making his bow in the fast lane.The 18-year-old Oliver Bearman produced a brilliant performance to finish seventh in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.F1 wonderkid Oliver Bearman hit the skids in a post-race interviewCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports F1He was involved in an awkward moment as rival Nico Hulkenberg walked behind himCredit: YouTube / Sky Sports F1The Ferrari prodigy became the youngest Brit to ever race in F1 and is the third youngest driver ever.Bearman managed to place in front of compatriots Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.He also finished ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, 36.After the race, Bearman was quizzed about his battle to overtake Hulkenberg by Sky Sports. READ MORE ON FORMULA ONEHe was then asked to clarify whether when he said “too slow” on his radio he was talking about his own car’s performance.However, the youngster revealed that he was in fact telling them that Hulkenberg was “so slow” – and the timing of his candid admission could not have been worse.Just as the words were leaving his mouth, his German rival walked straight behind him.The experienced driver then winked at someone as Bearman, who may not have noticed, nervously swiped his forehead.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBaarman’s moment in the spotlight came after he got the call to be a replacement for Carlos Sainz in Saudi as the star underwent surgery for appendicitis.He joined Ferrari’s driver academy at the age of 16 and quit school against his mother’s wishes and moved to Modena — close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.Meet Oliver Bearman the Brit F1 star making debut with Ferrari who speaks with Italian twang and has famous brother In 2023, he came sixth in the Formula Two championship.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.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 big appearance comes after Hamilton’s upcoming switch to Ferrari next year.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the legend hailed Bearman after his performance, saying: “To be pulled out of your class and put straight into a Ferrari, he did such a phenomenal job.“It has showed he is a really bright future star.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Lewis Hamilton had to pull ‘struggling’ Brit F1 hero Oliver Bearman, 18, out of his car after debut at Saudi Arabian GP

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      OLIVER BEARMAN had to be pulled out of the car by Lewis Hamilton after his Formula One debut. The 18-year-old replaced Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix amid his battle with appendicitis.Oliver Bearman came seventh in his F1 debutCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton helped the ‘struggling’ teen star get out of his car at the end of the raceCredit: SplashBearman impressed on his first appearance in F1, finishing in seventh place.But the physically gruelling effort took its toll on him and the shattered Brit had to be helped post-race by Lewis Hamilton.Bearman revealed: “He was basically pulling me out of the car because I was struggling. It was really physical. “In a race like this – one of the lowest-degradation tracks of the season and one of the highest lateral G-forces – you are pretty much doing 50 qualifying laps.”READ MORE IN F1Bearman, who is challenging for the F2 title, was the youngest ever Brit to earn a spot on the grid and the first to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine 25 years ago. But the wonderkid was not daunted by his chance to driver against the best.He added: “I grew up watching these guys fighting and it was nice to share the track with them. It was a pleasure to have their recognition.”Honestly, surprisingly, it felt like any other race.Most read in Motorsport”The start procedure is a bit different to an F2 race start – but once the lights were on you were focusing on what is around you.”Luckily the F4 radios weren’t broadcast, but in F3 I was a bit more irate and I’ve learnt over the years that doesn’t bring any performance. Who is Ferrari’s new star Oliver Bearman”No matter what, I tried to stay calm, especially in a situation like this. “We knew the race was going to come towards us so I stayed calm and let it come.”Bearman, who is dating TikTok sensation Estelle Ogilvy, has already been tipped to nail down a regular spot on the grid next season.He is currently a reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas, with him expected to be handed a race seat at the latter in 2025. More