Bearman makes a dream debut as F1's Driver of the Day

JEDDAH : British teenager Oliver Bearman savoured a dream debut for Ferrari on Saturday, making Formula One history and hailed as Driver of the Day as well as a talent for the future.

The Italian team's youngest ever rookie, aged 18 years and 305 days, started 11th and finished seventh as a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix stand-in for appendicitis-stricken Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

When he took the chequered flag he had McLaren's Lando Norris, previously Britain's youngest ever driver, and Mercedes' seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport's most successful, in his rear mirrors.

"I don't even know what happened in the race," he told reporters as praise for his efforts under the Jeddah Corniche floodlights echoed across the paddock. "It's weird to not watch an F1 race.

"It's probably the first F1 race I haven't watched for a long time.

"I grew up watching these guys fighting, it was nice to share a track with them. It was a pleasure to have their recognition."

The praise came from all quarters, with Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc - who finished third - assuring reporters Bearman, the reserve who started the weekend thinking only about Formula Two, was just getting started.

"Today he's been incredible," he said. "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."

Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007 when Bearman was not yet two years old and finished ninth in Saturday's race, was first to offer a handshake and an embrace as his compatriot stepped out of the Ferrari.

"He clearly deserves it and I'm sure we'll see more of him again in the future," said Norris, who also offered his congratulations to the 66th driver