Asked at the Qatar press conference whether he feels ready to take the big step to a top team like Ferrari, Bearman told GPblog:“I’m in F1 and you have to back yourself. So yes, I believe I’m ready, but I have to continue to prove that. It’s not that I had five or six good races that suddenly everything changes.”

The young British talent comes off five consecutive points finishes, including an impressive fourth place in Mexico, and more broadly from a rookie F1 season where he has shown plenty of promise, despite being marred by the occasional mistake.

He finally added: “I’ve definitely improved, particularly since the summer break. I found a really good rhythm and momentum, and of course, I would say that I’m ready.”

While the young British driver is enjoying a highly promising rookie season, Ferrari’s first year with Lewis Hamilton in red has, in some ways, been an unexpectedly difficult one — even if a natural adaptation period was to be expected.

The seven-time world champion, with two races remaining, has yet to make it onto the podium and has endured more disappointing weekends than successful ones — something that, according to Juan Pablo Montoya, could prompt Ferrari to seriously consider Bearman as a potential option in his place.