Bearman turns his dad into a star: "Now probably more famous than me"

With a podium finish, Oliver Bearman had certainly spoken of a dream debut in advance. With a seventh place in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, the Briton - the last-minute replacement for the ill Carlos Sainz - was also hugely delighted. After all, who could have imagined on Thursday that the F2 driver could make his Grand Prix debut at all on Saturday?

With a big smile, Bearman addressed the media after the race in Jeddah. Looking back on two crazy days, it was especially that phone call from Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, that had stuck with him the most. "Probably the call I got from Fred on, was it Friday? I get confused because everything has changed! The call I got from Fred before FP3, was a pretty interesting moment, a pinch-yourself moment. And, when it set in that I would be racing in an F1 car this weekend, it was a pretty special moment," he told Viaplay.

Bearman happy with 'job application'

Never before had Bearman driven such a long race as he did in Jeddah. The British youngster therefore assumed he would get out of bed pretty stiff on Sunday. Bearman doesn't care at all: "Exactly, It was a great race. I think I did a good job application, and a good job interview today. I’m happy with my performance and that's all I can do."

A little further away was the father of Oliver Bearman, who nervously walked around the pit box throughout the race, much to the liking of the broadcasters. "Yes, [he is] very proud. I think he was more famous than me over this weekend!"