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Oliver Bearman says it was “really fulfilling” to have Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso praise him after his Formula 1 debut.
The 18-year-old Briton finished seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after replacing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Bearman told BBC Sport: “It was a proud day for me. For them to say these kind words was really nice – especially the older guys like Fernando and Lewis. “I grew up watching them. To share the track with them was an honour.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton called Bearman “a really bright future star”, two-time champion Alonso said he drove “fantastically well” and three-time champion Max Verstappen, who won in Jeddah, said he did “an incredible job”.
Bearman, who is a member of the Ferrari driver academy, was needed last-minute after Sainz was diagnosed with appendicitis and needed surgery. Bearman qualified on pole for the Formula 2 race and found out he would be driving only two hours before the final practice session. He qualified 11th and went on to score six points on his debut. ‑— BBC Sport
Online Reporter