F1 News
Bearman jokes on his birthday: "Life was easier when I was just a head"
Ollie Bearman celebrates his 19th birthday today [Wednesday], and it's fair to say the last few months have been extremely busy following his Formula 1 debut for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. His father, David Bearman, posted an old photo of Ollie from a childhood holiday to which the young driver replied with a reflective and jokey comment.
Bearman turns 19
The picture of Bearman is perhaps somewhat reflective of his last 12 months. Bearman's workload has increased significantly, and he even made his Formula 1 debut. Due to appendicitis, Carlos Sainz could not compete in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Spanish driver required surgery and missed the race in Jeddah, one of the most challenging tracks on the Formula 1 calendar.
Bearman is also busy competing in Formula 2. The Brit has scored just two points in his two race weekends so far. It turns out he is doing better in the Formula 1 standings after an impressive result in Jeddah. Bearman is 12th with six points.
The Chelmsford-born driver will have more on his plate in 2024. He will drive in more FP1 sessions as the season progresses. Bearman can still be a 'rookie practice driver' as he has less than three Grands Prix starts to his name. He will also keep a close eye on Kevin Magnussen's penalty points. If the Dane gets two more penalty points, he will be forced to miss a race. His next points don't fall off until March 2025, and Bearman will be one of the candidates in line to replace Magnussen should it happen.
Bearman will also complete his simulator tasks and various fulfilments required as part of the Ferrari Academy. Recently, Bearman visited the first round of the Ferrari Challenge European season.
It's, therefore, no surprise if the youngster is feeling slightly swamped. His dad posted on Instagram: "Happy Birthday Oliver, you have grown from just a head in to a fine young man. Love you." Ollie commented on his dad's post, jokingly saying, "Life was easier when I was just a head."
View this post on Instagram
David Bearman was in the Ferrari garage for Ollie's debut in Formula 1. At the time, Bearman joked that his dad had become more famous.
