F1 News: Oliver Bearman Touched By Lewis Hamilton Cooldown Lap Gesture - "Really Kind"

Lewis Hamilton was one of the first ones to congratulate and appreciate the 18-year-old Ferrari driver.

Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepped into Carlos Sainz's SF-24 for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, achieving a seventh place finish. He was touched by Lewis Hamilton's supportive gesture during the cooldown lap, acknowledging Bearman's impressive debut in Formula 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Oliver Bearman, Ferrari's reserve driver, filled in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, achieving an impressive seventh-place finish in his Formula 1 debut.
• Lewis Hamilton's supportive gesture towards Bearman during the cooldown lap highlighted the camaraderie among drivers, showing thumbs up and offering a congratulatory hug post-race.
• Bearman's unexpected opportunity came after Sainz underwent surgery for appendicitis, marking a successful weekend for Ferrari despite the setback, with Sainz's surgery, Bearman's points finish, and Leclerc's podium contributing to their success.

Ferrari Press Image

With pole position secured for the Formula 2 feature race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Bearman was preparing for the competition when he faced an unexpected turn of events.

On Friday, Sainz underwent surgery for appendicitis, prompting reserve driver Bearman to step into his F1 car. Despite the setback, Ferrari had a successful weekend, with Sainz's successful surgery, Bearman's points finish, and Leclerc's podium finish in P3 contributing to their three-factor advantage.

On race day, Bearman's impressive performance continued from his P11 in qualifying, as he maintained his position ahead of a fast-charging Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton on soft tires to secure a seventh-place finish.

The debut driver was touched by the sport's seven-time world champion's gesture, which could be seen during the cooldown lap when Hamilton showed the thumbs up while driving past him. 

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 later on, here's what Bearman said about Hamilton's gesture:

“Ah that’s really kind, that’s really nice."

Not only during the cooldown lap but, after climbing out of the SF-24, Bearman received a congratulatory hug from Hamilton, who turns out to be one of his childhood heroes. The young driver expressed his admiration for Hamilton and reminisced about his love for the McLaren team during the Hamilton-Jenson Button days in 2011-2012.

A wholesome congratulations from Lewis to Ollie 🤗✨ pic.twitter.com/og0NVlRpZ5

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 9, 2024

When asked if Hamilton was his hero, he answered:

“One of them.

“I really liked the McLaren team in 2011/12, so Lewis and Jenson they were my favourites. The British team with the home heroes.

“It was great watching them growing up and now I’m racing against Lewis, that was fantastic.”

If Sainz is deemed fit to race, Bearman will return to his F2 car when Formula 1 travels to Melbourne in two weeks.

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