Why Bearman does not deserve a permanent spot in Formula 1 at this stage

Of course, it was a top performance by Oliver Bearman. He had never driven a Grand Prix before (let alone completed laps in that particular F1 car). He wasn't able to prepare himself, and on top of that, he joined a top team in Ferrari. Seventh place in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is a more than fine performance. Still, it is going too far to say that Bearman deserves a permanent spot in Formula 1 after his debut race.

Of course, Bearman is to be credited with making the move from Formula 2 to Formula 1. The 18-year-old Briton has huge potential. That much is clear. There is no doubt about that. Bearman will get there. But for his own sake, let him build his career carefully. Now, let's not focus on one excellent race; a race in which nothing at all was expected - or demanded - of Bearman.

Bearman variable in Formula 2

After the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, expectations have increased. But this Olly Bearman is super young and anything but ready for Formula 1. Although he won the most races of any driver in the Formula 2 step-up class in 2023, he was far from becoming champion (sixth in the final rankings, 73 points behind champion Pourchaire). Besides his four wins, there were the requisite races in which Bearman played a supporting role. And in Jeddah last Saturday, although he would start from pole, the opening weekend in Bahrain was a huge flop for Bearman and Prema Racing.

Fluctuation is part of a junior's learning process, but in Formula 1, it is impossible not to perform in half the races. In any case, an F1 driver has to be constant and perform at maximum every week. If that fails, the pressure grows. From the fans to the media and certainly also within the team. Then comes the question: 'Is Bearman really the right man in the right place?' With the huge stakes in Formula 1, there is hardly time to let a driver warm into the role. Nobody wants Bearman to be sidelined at 21 - after two disappointing seasons in Formula 1. End of F1 career.

Bearman at Haas F1?

Should Bearman get the chance to get a permanent seat in Formula 1 in 2025, it will certainly not be with a top team. The most obvious is a seat at Haas F1, the team for which the Briton is scheduled for six free practice sessions later this season. Haas is a complicated team, to say the least, with little quality and hardly any money.

Admittedly, the car for 2024 looks better than the 2023 car for now. Still, scrounging a single point now and then is the maximum that can be done with it. Driving a race like Bearman did in Saudi Arabia will never reap the rewards in a Haas. Does that team help you make the right step in Formula 1? Ask Mick Schumacher, who will surely have an answer to that.

The stunning debut with Ferrari can't be taken away from Bearman. Now, it is up to him to return to the relative anonymity of Formula 2. He needs to work on his consistency there, and above all, he needs to take the time to develop as a driver. Then, in time, that chance in Formula 1 really will come, probably with a better team than Haas F1. But be smart: be patient!