Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari is nine months away, but John Elkann is already loving what he is seeing from the seven-time world champion.
The Ferrari chairman praised Hamilton for his sportsmanship towards Scuderia rookie Oliver Bearman after the young Briton’s sensational display in last weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old Ferrari junior was drafted in by the Scuderia ahead of Friday’s practice after Carlos Sainz had fallen ill.
Launching his race from eleventh, Bearman gradually progressed up the order with a flawless drive that concluded in seventh position ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton.
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Elkann, clearly impressed, highlighted not only Bearman's skills but also Hamilton's reaction. He lauded the F1 legend’s warm gesture of congratulating Bearman with a big hug right after the race in Parc Fermé.
“Considering he stayed ahead of Hamilton and Lando Norris on his debut, I think Oliver will remember this for his whole life,” he told Sky Italia.
“The hug that Lewis gave him shows what a great champion he is on and off the track.”
This act of sportsmanship and encouragement from a legend like Hamilton is likely to leave a lasting impression on the young driver as he embarks on his F1 career.
“I got a hug from Lewis as well after the race,” Bearman commented. “That was nice that he recognised the race for me. That was a proud moment for myself.”
Already after qualifying on Saturday, there were many in the paddock who visited Ferrari’s hospitality suite to salute Bearman’s achievement. But there was a message from one individual in particular that put him over the moon.
“I did get a lot of congratulations and also good luck messages before the race,” he added.
“My favourite one was from Sebastian Vettel. I’m a huge fan of his since the early days. I was, up until he retired, always rooting for Seb, so to get a message from him was really special.
“To know that he was kind of watching put a bit of pressure on, but it was a nice pressure.”
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann congratulates Ollie Bearman after his P7 finish in the Jeddah (©Ferrari).
Last weekend, Bearman became Ferrari’s youngest ever competitor in Formula 1 and the third youngest driver to take part in a Grand Prix in the history of the sport.
It’s a childhood dream come true, to make my debut in a Ferrari,” he said.
“It’s an incredible achievement and I’m very proud of that. To become the youngest British driver, that’s quite a statement as well.
“I was the third youngest driver ever, which is pretty awesome. I’m on the podium!”
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