Bearman enjoys F1 baptism of fire at Fiorano

©Ferrari

Wednesday at Fiorano was a momentous day for Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman who enjoyed his first laps behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.

The 18-year-old F2 charger put a massive 400 kilometres under his belt at the Scuderia’s test track at the wheel of a two-year-old SF-21 as part of his preparations for his FP1 outing with Haas at this month’s Mexican Grand Prix.

It was a landmark moment for the Briton and one he’ll likely never forget, and neither will his parents who were on hand at Fiorano to witness their son’s F1 baptism of fire.

“If you think I wasn’t excited, you’d be mistaken,” he said. “I can’t deny that last night I struggled to get to sleep. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this day, with my parents on hand and I’m told my mother got quite excited when I drove out of the garage in the Ferrari.

“The engineers guided me step by step for the first few laps, then as I gained confidence in the car I started to really enjoy it,” he added.

©Ferrari

“I was prepared for the enormous amount of power on hand, as I had already driven a Formula 1 car on the simulator.

“But what really surprised me was the level of grip, which is harder to feel sitting in the sim and it’s crazy when compared to the amount you have with the Formula 2 car I’m racing at the moment.

“The other surprising thing is the level of downforce on these cars, it’s just incredible. Thank you to the Scuderia for making me feel part of the group right away and everyone at Ferrari who made this unforgettable day possible.”

©Ferrari

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.