Bearman's performance is PROOF 'Formula 1 needs 12 teams'

Oliver Bearman got the chance to show himself in a Ferrari in Saudi Arabia. The 18-year-old driver finished seventh. Much praise came for how the young Briton had performed in his first race. Eddie Jordan was also hugely impressed with Bearman, he told the Formula For Success podcast.

The Brit normally competes in Formula 2. Here, he drives for Prema with his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli. On Thursday, Bearman even took pole position during Formula 2 qualifying in Saudi Arabia. However, he was required in Formula 1 and had to forfeit his F2 pole.

Jordan: 'Bearman is a megastar in the making'

Analysts and Formula 1 fans have commented positively on Bearman's performance. Jordan is also impressed: "At 18 years of age, also when you heard him speak, the way he's been brought up and educated, Britain should be very proud. This is an absolute megastar in the making."

Jordan continued: "There's actually maybe six or eight of these around. Just the young drivers in my opinion, that aren't getting the chance, and I'm sure that Carlos is sitting up in his bed, hopefully recovering at a very quick rate, and he's saying to himself 'my god I better get my seat sorted for 25 because there's lots of very good young kids who can stand in'."

Bearman trailed the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris in the race. Jordan believes that is a remarkable achievement: "Sure, the Ferrari has improved over the last couple of years, in my opinion, he's got a good car to go into, but it's remarkable. I just hope we see him again. I really hope that we can give these kids a chance and if it means making it 12 teams in the future...make it 12 teams."