Lewis Hamilton shows his class with touching gesture to Oliver Bearman after teen's F1 debut

Lewis Hamilton shows his class with touching gesture to Oliver Bearman after teen's F1 debut

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 09/03/2024

- 19:00

Updated: 09/03/2024

- 19:16

Oliver Bearman was able to hold off a fast-approaching Lewis Hamilton to finish ahead of the seven-time world champion on his F1 debut.

Lewis Hamilton was the first person to embrace Oliver Bearman after he got out of his car in a touching moment between the two British racing drivers.

The 18-year-old put in a memorable drive on his unexpected F1 debut in Saudi Arabia to finish seventh.


And his performance didn't go unnoticed by seven-time world champion Hamilton, who was trying to close down on his compatriot in the closing stages of the race.

Both Hamilton and Lando Norris had pitted for fresh soft tyres and were attempting to chase Bearman down.

But the Ferrari academy driver kept his cool to cross the line for seven valuable points for his team.

Oliver Bearman was congratulated by Lewis Hamilton

Oliver Bearman was congratulated by Lewis Hamilton

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Bearman's dad beamed with pride in the Ferrari garage as he shook hands with the team around him.

The teenager was named driver of the day for his run and Hamilton was the first person to congratulate his fellow countryman in person.

Hamilton was seen waiting by Bearman's car as the Ferrari star got out of his cockpit.

The 39-year-old then applauded before embracing Bearman in a touching gesture.

George Russell also waited behind to congratulate the Ferrari driver shortly after Hamilton.

Charles Leclerc, who finished third, joined in the praise for his Saudi Arabia Grand Prix team-mate.

"He completely deserves it. He's done an incredible job," Leclerc said.

"Already from FP3 he was straight on the pace. In qualifying he did a great job and missed Q3 by so little.

"Today he's been incredible. Seventh in your first race in F1 having only done FP3 in a new car is.

Lewis Hamilton hugged Oliver Bearman and congratulated him

Lewis Hamilton hugged Oliver Bearman and congratulated him

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"It's hugely impressive and I'm sure he's extremely proud.

"Everybody has noticed how talented he is and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before he's in F1."

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George Russell also congratulated Oliver Bearman

George Russell also congratulated Oliver Bearman

SKYSPORTS

Bearman admitted he was a "little tired" after the gruelling race but enjoyed the whole experience.

He said: "It was a fantastic race, pushing all the way, I was shocked at how fast we were pushing, getting quicker every lap.

"That was incredible, especially at the end when I had the two guys on softs bearing down on me, I couldn’t relax.

"I was always in my mirrors pushing flat out but it was a really exciting and fun race."

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