This is the moment that will stay with Bearman from his Formula 1 debut

Oliver Bearman looks back on his first Formula 1 Grand Prix. It all came rather unexpectedly for the 18-year-old Brit. He was due to be competing in Formula 2, but just before F1's third free practice session in Saudi Arabia, he found out he was replacing Carlos Sainz, who could not race due to appendicitis.

From compliments from Red Bull driver Max Verstappen to international recognition for his performance in the SF-24, which moment will stay with Bearman for life? Prema's Formula 2 driver, who made his Formula 1 debut last Saturday, explains!

The special moment for Bearman

"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 after the race.

According to a rumour, Ferrari had already wanted Bearman to join Haas in Formula 1 this season, but Haas were not ready for this as they had some problems with the car, so they did not want a rookie. Nevertheless, the Briton is still in pole position for a seat in Haas' F1 team in 2025.