Awe of Bearman in international media: 'Hamilton getting used to mid-table'

The fact that Max Verstappen disappears on the horizon after the start of a Formula 1 race is no longer considered special. In the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, too, he did not relinquish the lead for a moment, with the exception of the pit stops. Sergio Perez completed the party for Red Bull Racing by making it a 1-2. Yet it was Ferrari debutant Oliver Bearman who impressed in particular.

Marca

"Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton surprised by being unable to beat Oliver Bearman, who was making his debut at Ferrari due to Carlos Sainz's appendicitis. Lewis is starting to get used to the middle middle pack, after the most dominant run by any brand in F1 history. This again makes it clear that no one is above the car," Spanish newspaper Marca stated.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Italy's La Gazzetta was impressed by both Verstappen and Bearman. "The Saudi Arabia GP was another showcase for Max Verstappen, who dominated and is already running away in the world championship. Red Bull overcame with second place for Sergio Perez. Ferrari consolidated its second place in the championship with third place for Charles Leclerc. But the big protagonist alongside Verstappen was Oliver Bearman, who was able to score a seventh-place finish on his F1 debut."

The Guardian

"Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing may be in question as the turmoil engulfing his team once more overshadowed the racing but his value as a driver is emphatically not, as he proved with an absolutely commanding drive to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix," writes The Guardian.

The British newspaper is impressed by how calm Verstappen manages to remain amid the turmoil within his team. "Indeed, as machiavellian machinations contort the team around him, Verstappen gave a salutary reminder that he might be the most powerful bargaining chip of all in the power struggle threatening to tear Red Bull apart."

L'Equipe

"Crisis or not, Verstappen continues to shine," headlines L'Equipe. "In Saudi Arabia, the crisis at Red Bull had no effect on Max Verstappen, who continued to dominate the field. Despite the crisis in the paddock, Red Bull's team continues to torment the competition on the track. Max Verstappen took his ninth win in a row ahead of teammate Sergio Perez."

The French newspaper finds it admirable that the Austrian F1 team is staying afloat despite all the turmoil surrounding team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko. It even draws a comparison with Paris, which has survived many setbacks in its history. "Red Bull, like the most beautiful city in the world, fluctuates but does not sink. Despite blistering storms, headwinds and crossfire, the blue armada continues its invincible march. Two races, two wins, no contest. Or barely."