“He was telling them what to tell me basically” - Said Bearman during a sudden Ferrari switch due to Sainz's unexpected situation.

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Carlos Sainz, the talented Formula 1 driver, faced a sudden setback when he had to undergo surgery unexpectedly just a day prior to the highly anticipated Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This unexpected turn of events led to Ferrari making a quick decision to bring in Oliver Bearman as a replacement. Bearman, a promising young driver, seized the opportunity and delivered an impressive performance during the race weekend in Jeddah.

Reflecting on his experience stepping in for Sainz, Bearman expressed gratitude towards the seasoned driver for his support and guidance. Sainz's professionalism and mentorship played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition and successful stint for Bearman at Ferrari. The collaboration between the two drivers showcased the camaraderie and sportsmanship prevalent in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.

The unforeseen circumstances surrounding Sainz's surgery and Bearman's entry into the team added an element of unpredictability and excitement to the race weekend. Despite the challenges, both drivers demonstrated resilience and adaptability, embodying the spirit of competition and teamwork that defines the pinnacle of motorsport.

Berman stated that Sainz was in control of his side of the garage. Bearman mentioned on the High-Performance podcast,

“He [Sainz] was telling them [the team] what to tell me basically.” 

Much to the surprise of Bearman and everyone on the track, Carlos Sainz, the seasoned Formula 1 driver, made a poignant appearance trackside during the then 18-year-old's highly anticipated debut race. Despite carrying the weight of a recent setback, Sainz's presence exuded a mix of pride, determination, and a touch of nostalgia as he took slow and measured steps towards the Ferrari garage. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of mentorship and camaraderie as the veteran driver silently observed the young talent preparing to take on the challenges of the track.

“It was great to see that he came back to the circuit the next day,” Bearman stated further.

 “He’d been through a lot, so that was really cool.”

Bearman also talked about Charles Leclerc, Sainz's teammate, who partnered with him for the day. Leclerc, who is from Monaco, understood Bearman's nerves and sat down with the young Briton before the Grand Prix to offer some valuable advice.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly for Bearman that night in Jeddah. Despite starting in 11th place, he finished in 7th place, surpassing both Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, and immediately attracted the attention of Haas. The team based in Kannapolis signed him for the 2025 season, a decision that was officially announced last month.