F1 teenage star Oliver Bearman reveals ‘special’ message from a four-time world champion added pressure to his stunning debut at the Saudi Arabian GP

Oliver Bearman has revealed that a ‘special’ message from four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel ramped up the pressure ahead of his F1 debut in Saudi Arabia. 

The 18-year-old was drafted in to take the place of Carlos Sainz at late notice ahead of Friday’s qualifying, before going on to finish seventh overall in Jeddah, scoring six points for his side.

It was a whirlwind 24 hours for the driver, who reportedly only found out he’d be taking Sainz’s place a few hours before qualifying.

Bearman, who is participating in Formula 2 this season for the Scuderia, opened up on the well wishes he received ahead of the race and revealed that the note from the German driver was his favourite. 

‘I did get a lot of congratulations and also good luck messages before the race,’ He told Sky Sports. ‘My favourite one was from Sebastian Vettel. 

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel retired from the sport in 2022 but has been tipped with a return

The 18-year-old showed little sign of inexperience or limited practice time with an impressive drive that saw him clinch seventh place 

‘I’m a huge fan of his since the early days. Up until he retired I was always rooting for Seb, so to get a message from him was really special.

‘To know that he was watching me put a bit of pressure, but it was a nice pressure.’

Vettel, one of F1’s most recognisable faces, retired in 2022 after a glittering career that saw him line up for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin.

The 36-year-old has been tipped with a return to the sport, with Ralf Schumacher, the brother of the legendary Michael Schumacher, recently claiming to have heard he ‘wants to drive again’.

Bearman, meanwhile, is considered among many within the sport as one of the next big talents rising through the ranks. 

There’s no doubt many team bosses will be keeping tabs on him over the coming years, with reports emerging last week that he could secure himself a permanent spot in Formula One next season. 

While Sainz is set to make way for Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025, there may be no seat for Bearman at the Prancing Horse just yet. But according to The Sun he may be a favourite to join their customer team Haas, with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg out of contract at the end of the season.

Even so, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has revealed what this season could look like for the reserve driver, with Bearman set to return to F2 for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, before starting FP1 sessions with Haas.