F1 Super-sub Ollie Steps Up Bigtime
Posted on March 19, 2024 Tags: Oliver Bearman
Daniel Spurred on by Huge Support
Images courtesy F1.com
IT’S VERY EARLY DAYS, but the story so far this season is the simply stellar performance of rookie Oliver (Ollie) Bearman, who stepped in for an ailing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari last up in Jeddah.
The 6.147km street circuit is a one of the toughest tracks on the calendar. There’s nothing easy about it.
But 18-year-old Ollie’s no slouch, with the Ferrari super-sub cutting an indelible swathe on and off the track in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Corniche, the fastest street circuit in F1.
Like he did when he drove for Haas last year in free practice in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. Just ask the likeable Guenther Steiner, recently dumped from his job as Team Principal of F1’s only American team.
Ollie has full schedule in the Paddock
A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Ollie currently is competing in the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship for Prema Racing. He also is a reserve driver for both the Scuderia Ferrari and Haas F1 Teams.
“Was I surprised in Jeddah?” Former Haas Boss
“When he drove in FP1 for us, I never feared he’d do something you wouldn’t expect. He was always in control. He did the same in Saudi Arabia,” said the affable Guenther Steiner, former boss of HAAS F1.
“Was I surprised by what he did in Jeddah? No. I had faith he could do that.
“I think he has a good future in the sport. He just needs to stay calm, and I have no doubt he will do that.
“He can’t go anywhere he wants, but I believe there is more than one opportunity for him (at the end of this year).”
Brit Ollie was already on a high in Saudi after taking pole for the F2 race, but the news he had to replace Carlos the next day cannoned him into the stratosphere.
Adjustments are made to the pedals to fit Ollie’s 6ft 3in frame, along with seatbelt and headrest changes to fit the 18-year-old.
Nevertheless, he was as cool as the proverbial cucumber and handled the gift brilliantly, finishing the exceptionally difficult race in seventh, ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
Carlos – fresh from surgery – joined his Dad (also Carlos, a World Rally legend), as Ollie’s Dad David nervously paced the formidable Ferrari garage.
Ollie Scores Driver of the Day!
Another Rookie First?
Sergio Perez finished second ahead of Charles Leclerc. Aussie Oscar Piastri secured a strong result – fourth – ahead of Fernando Alonso and George Russell.
And young Ollie romped in for Driver of the Day, scoring a remarkable 47% of the votes in the F1 poll. His nearest rival was his countryman and idol, Lewis Hamilton on 7%!
It was an extraordinary performance by any measure that elicited a comment from teammate Charles: ‘it’s a matter of time’ before the young tyro joins the F1 grid.
Just remember, that storming finish – and the six points Ollie Bearman earned for the Team – translates to quite a mean chunk of prizemoney for the Ferrari coffers, from the Constructors Championship kitty.
“I ate a bit too much kerb!”
No doubt all eyes will be on Aussie Daniel Ricciardo to see if he can grab a few much-needed points to excite his worldwide legion of loyal fans, especially those many, many thousands at Albert Park.
The 34-year-old superstar from Perth is well aware just how important Melbourne is to have any chance for that cherished Red Bull seat he should never have vacated.
His ever-present boss Helmut Marco and the outspoken Kiwi Liam Lawson are ready to pounce given the slightest opening.
That’s just the way it is with F1!
Alpha Tauri now Visa Cash App RB
The Team, now rebranded as Visa Cash App RB, is based historically at Faenza, Italy which will remain their home. Yet part of the team will move to Milton Keynes, the home of Red Bull Racing.
Team principal Laurent Mekies said renovations were are underway at the Red Bull Campus and all work should be completed in nine months.
Daniel, and Yuki – Have Much to Prove at Melbourne
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend proved one to forget for Daniel and Yuki Tsunoda – his RB teammate – with both drivers finishing at the wrong end of the field, left to reflect on their struggles with pace.
Yuki qualified 9th, losing a place to Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll on the opening lap. The diminutive Japanese driver then was overtaken by Ollie Bearman after a Safety Car period restart, ultimately crossing the line in 15th.fi.comF
Daniel, meantime, started P14 then dropped two places and struggled throughout the race – with a spin on Lap 47 of 50 – finishing 16th. A no fault 40-second pit stop also also cost him dearly.
“Tough weekend,” commented the eight-time F1 winner to a packed scrum, after Jeddah. “I just ate too much kerb on that spin!
“The only thing that’s probably keeping me a little bit optimistic now is we did find a few things, so that’s positive when you know that. I’ve driven a longtime, I know when things don’t feel quite right.“
And Yuki is well aware eyes are on him to improve his performance, if he wants to keep his seat.
The Team is yet to score a point this season.
Don’t forget, Daniel has notched 32 F1 Podiums
“On one hand it’s nice to find a few things, but on another, it meant that it was a pretty painful weekend. That’s obviously frustrating, and the race, it was tough,” the Aussie said,
“Melbourne will be better. I know we’ll fix it and have an equal playing field and a strong showing.”
Daniel and Yuki said the team was working tirelessly to resolve the issues they identified in Saudi for a better showing this week Down Under.
“It feels like it’s been a pretty slow start to the year. But it’s been two races. I know how quickly this thing can turn around,”
We certainly hope so, Daniel!
Meanwhile Red Bull, and Max Verstappen, just keeps on keeping on. Jeddah was the Dutchman’s 100th Podium and ninth straight win – (one more victory and he’ll equal his own record, which will make Helmut Marko – pictured above – very happy).
EDITED by AC
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