Oliver Bearman received a message from four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel ahead of his Grand Prix debut in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The teenager turned heads with his P7 finish as he deputised for Ferrari star Carlos Sainz, who underwent surgery on appendicitis.

Sainz had completed the first two practice sessions at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, but missed media day due to his condition. The Spaniard was then diagnosed with appendicitis and subsequently went under the knife, ruling him out for the remainder of the weekend. As the official Ferrari reserve, Bearman was called up to replace him in the cockpit.

The 18-year-old Brit’s debut was a big deal in the paddock, and it attracted attention from one of the sport’s biggest names as Vettel got in touch with Bearman before the race to offer his well wishes.

Revealing the contact to Viaplay after the Saudi Arabian GP, Bearman said: “First of all, the support I got was amazing. I got a message from one of my heroes, Sebastian Vettel, which was really, really nice before the race. So thanks, Seb!”

Vettel is a driver who knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed at Ferrari. The legendary German represented the Scuderia for six seasons between 2015 and 2020, winning 14 Grands Prix for the team before departing for Aston Martin in 2021. 

The 36-year-old would have likely been impressed with what he saw from the Essex-born teen. This was certainly the case for team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was full of praise for Bearman off the back of a points-scoring debut appearance at one of the most physically and mentally demanding circuits on the F1 calendar.

“He has 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, and I think today he’s been incredible. 

“I mean seventh in your first race in Formula One having only done FP3, in a new car, is just hugely impressive. I’m sure he’s extremely proud, but everybody has noticed how talented he is and I guess it’s just a matter of time before he comes here in Formula One.”

F1 fans can get used to the sight of Bearman this season. While Sainz is expected to recover from his surgery in time to start the weekend in Australia, the 18-year-old is lined up for six FP1 sessions with Haas before the end of the 2024 campaign ahead of an expected full-time drive in 2025.