Shifting gears proves tricky for Bearman: performance in F2 disappoints

Before his debut in Formula 1, Oliver Bearman had to relinquish his pole position in Formula 2. Although his performance in Saudi Arabia was very promising, his performance in Formula 2 was disappointing afterwards. Frederic Vasseur explains why.

Due to Carlos Sainz's appendectomy, Oliver Bearman suddenly had the opportunity to debut with Ferrari in Formula 1. With only a third free practice under his belt, he impressed many after his qualifying and then his race.

Vasseur thinks it's all not so bad

After his great Formula 1 debut, his performances then fell short in Formula 2. Though Bearman was unlucky not to be able to set a fast lap due to red and yellow flags. In the sprint race in Australia, the Briton finished 14th and in the main race ninth. According to Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur, this is not surprising. "We know that it's a huge challenge. The grid is very tight. To move from one car to another one it's not an easy one."

Besides, Vasseur doesn't think Bearman's F2 weekend in Australia was that bad at all. "But then you need to have a deep read of the weekend of Olly [Bearman]. That he worked the engine, and in qualifying, that he didn't finish the lap. In the first lap he had the whole flight. And then when you start from the back of the grid it's not an easy one. But he has still a very good weekend."

For Vasseur, Bearman's performance in his own category matters most. "I think I made the same comment at the end of Jeddah [weekend]. That race that everybody was flying over the moon on the race. And I said that the most important will be to be back in F2 to perform in F2."