F1 is in serious trouble this year.
Red Bull’s rivals have failed miserably in trying to close the gap to Max Verstappen with Sergio Perez also pulling ahead comfortably.
Mercedes, McLaren and Aston Martin are not even close to challenging through the first two races with fears the season could well be over before it has even got going.
The off-track troubles at Red Bull have kept some interest in the sport – more out of intrigue than anything else.
Oliver Bearman enjoyed a stellar F1 debut
GETTY
There was a bitter disappointment among F1 fans after the season-opening race in Bahrain and that didn’t change a week later in Jeddah.
The only saving grace from Saudi Arabia was the incredible story of 18-year-old Bearman stepping in for a shock F1 debut.
With Carlos Sainz undergoing surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis, Ferrari called up Bearman to take the seat just hours before the final practice session.
Making that step up from F2 to F1 racing in just a few hours is no small feat and he breathed new life into a sport that desperately needed it this weekend.
Understandable nerves were clear to see in qualifying as he ended up 11th in a quick Ferrari, but he can be immeasurably proud with his performance in Sunday’s race.
It proved to be the main storyline from the entire race with Bearman slowly making progress up the grid and even made some F1-quality passes on experienced drivers.
Bearman had it all to fear in the closing laps with both Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton honing in on fresh soft tyres.
But the teenager showed maturity beyond his years to keep his cool and hold off the threat from his more experienced compatriots.
Oliver Bearman mixed it with the best of the best
GETTY
He crossed the line seventh to end a memorable weekend for the young British driver.
Whether Bearman gets the nod to drive again in place of Sainz for the Australian Grand Prix at the end of the month remains to be seen.
But F1 can’t be relying on a teenage substitute driver to try and salvage the 2024 season from the scrap heap.
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It was another lonely race for the Red Bull drivers
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The 2023 season turned many F1 fans off the sport with Red Bull’s rivals failing to produce a competitive car.
There was plenty of optimism heading into 2024 that would improve, but the opening two races suggest that won’t be the case.
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