De Vries on 'phenomenal' Bearman: 'Only 18 and at such a circuit...'

One similarity between Nyck de Vries and Oliver Bearman: they both finished in the points on their debut in Formula 1. However, De Vries - already disappearing from the highest stage of motorsport after less than half a season in the premier class - argues that that is also directly the only similarity.

De Vries was asked to step in at Williams at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix when it became clear that Alexander Albon had appendicitis, the same condition diagnosed to Carlos Sainz over the weekend in Saudi Arabia. Oliver Bearman finished seventh in Jeddah as the Spaniard's replacement; just under two years back, De Vries finished 10th on his debut at Monza.

Bearman impresses

The Dutchman was 27 years old at the time, while Bearman was nine years younger at his first top-ten finish. It is impressive, De Vries believes. "I think Oliver did a phenomenal job. He really impressed me by doing what he did when he was only 18 and that on such a circuit. He did an incredible job, especially also it was for Ferrari," the Dutchman told motorsport.com. By that, he is referring to the enormous pressure involved.

De Vries continued: "You can't compare, but obviously Williams don't score every day, while Ferrari usually do.... But it's not comparable, I think 'Ollie' deserves credit for what he showed last week," said the now 29-year-old driver, who will compete in Formula E and the WEC next year.

On his debut in Formula 1, De Vries had already been a Formula 2 and Formula E champion, so he had much more racing experience than Bearman anyway. The young Briton made his debut in F2 last year with sixth place in the overall standings. This year, he has yet to score any points. At the opening weekend in Bahrain, Bearman didn't finish in the points twice, in Saudi Arabia he drove for Ferrari and dropped out of the F2 races.