Thursday’s media day on the Method 1 British Grand Prix kicked off with some information concerning a younger British driver. Haas introduced within the morning that Oliver Bearman, the Ferrari Academy driver who’s at the moment splitting reserve duties between Haas and Ferrari, can be taking one of many crew’s two seats on the F1 grid subsequent 12 months.
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 levels of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to complete seventh in his beautiful debut in exchange of an ailing Carlos Sainz Jr.
“Yeah, [he] did an outstanding job earlier on this 12 months. Yeah, shiny younger expertise, and I believe it’s nice that the UK is pumping out a variety of nice younger proficient 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 spend money on younger and up-and-coming, a variety of the game’s younger and up-and-coming drivers. I believe, yeah, I believe it’s wonderful for the game. Takes the strain off of all of us. At the very least hopefully one of many Brits can 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 underneath the strain 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 12 months and look ahead to 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 terrific 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 12 months, 20% of the grid being Brits. Clearly, Alex [Albon], half British as effectively, so it’s nice to see him there and I’m certain he’ll do a terrific job.”
Bearman is scheduled to participate in FP1 this week as a part of his reserve duties for Haas, earlier than taking on subsequent 12 months on a full-time foundation. He at the moment 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 underneath his wing. “I don’t assume 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.”
