Bearman deserves F1 chance, but 2025 seat not a given

Bearman deputised for Carlos Sainz from third free practice onwards at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after the Spaniard required surgery for appendicitis.

Despite getting only a single one-hour practice session on a high-speed circuit that is difficult to master, the 18-year-old was immediately on the pace and just missed out on reaching Q3.

From his 11th grid slot, he battled the likes of Yuki Tsunoda and Nico Hulkenberg to a seventh-place…