P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oliver Bearman was thrown into the deep end on Friday in Saudi Arabia when Ferrari called him up to replace an unwell Carlos Sainz in Jeddah.
Oliver Bearman faced one of the toughest tests of his career by making his Formula 1 debut behind the wheel of the SF-24 Ferrari car during the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. Bearman swiftly replaced Carlos Sainz after being diagnosed with appendicitis, showing remarkable composure in keeping the car unscathed during qualifying laps. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur emphasized the importance of incremental progress to Bearman, who impressed by securing 11th place on the starting grid. The young driver acknowledged the challenges ahead in terms of race procedures, with a focus on maintaining mental and physical stamina throughout the demanding Grand Prix. Despite the whirlwind of events leading to his F1 debut, Bearman remained focused on delivering a strong performance and minimizing errors to achieve his goals on the track.