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Helmut Marko pinpoints Ferrari’s Oliver Bearman problem after signing 'expensive' Lewis Hamilton for 2025

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Aditya Pandya | Last updated 3/12/24

Ferrari had a great finish at the Saudi Arabian GP despite Carlos Sainz being absent from the race due to Appendicitis. The debutant Oliver Bearman scored points in his first-ever race in Formula 1 and proved his racing mettle to the grid. Ferrari will see more changes within Maranello next year courtesy of Lewis Hamilton’s arrival.

Helmut Marko applauded Oliver Bearman‘s performance at the debut Saudi Arabian GP. Marko claimed that the Briton’s debut was sensational and that driving around Jeddah without much experience was a difficult task. Additionally, the 80-year-old asserted that Bearman drove on the same level as Charles Leclerc on some occasions during the race.

I found Ollie Bearman's debut in Ferrari sensational. On a route like Jeddah without a lot of training, it was very strong. In phases, he drove almost at the level of Charles Leclerc. Marko said, as reported by speedweek.com.

However, Marko questioned Ferrari’s decisions in recent times. Maranello acquired Lewis Hamilton unexpectedly on a massive salary. On the contrary, a young talent like Oliver Bearman could’ve been a.better long term prospect according to Marko. Ferrari now doesn’t have an empty seat for the 18-year-old. Hence, the Austrian suggested that Bearman might’ve been a better fit at the Italian constructor.

But what is Ferrari doing now? They buy the expensive Hamilton, Leclerc has a long-term contract, and now shows a super talent with Bearman.

Helmut Marko claims Ferrari needs to find a seat for Oliver Bearman

Oliver Bearman’s career in Formula 1 could be great if the driver is provided with more opportunities to race. Hence, Helmut Marko put himself in Vasseur’s shoes and shared his thought process. The 65-year-old asserted that Maranello needs to actively look for an empty seat in F1 to enable the debutant’s chances of continuing racing in the pinnacle of motorsports.

If I were Fred Vasseur, I would immediately look for an F1 cockpit in another team, what do I know, for example at Haas.

Additionally, money wasn’t a problem for the Italian Constructor if they were to fund a career for Bearman. Marko claimed that the team would need to put money behind the young man’s training and have him prepared for F1. Maranello is currently financially stable as the team offered Hamilton an estimate of $430 Million. Hence the team could invest in a young and promising career for the future in Formula 1.

Now they have to put money in their hands again to have him trained. The teams are currently relatively financially saturated, they will be able to pay dearly.

Oliver Bearman became the third youngest driver to ever drive in Formula 1. Hence, scoring points on his debut race is a great achievement. Additionally, the driver finished above the seven-time world champion in his debut race in Formula 1. Hence, Ferrari might be contemplating the future of its 18-year-old reserve.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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