F1: Bearman rockets from F2 to Ferrari F1; Audi to take 100% ownership of Sauber

British teenager Oliver Bearman realized a dream on Friday when he made his competitive Formula One debut for Ferrari and qualified an impressive 11th for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The 18-year-old, who was racing for Prema Racing in F2, nearly out-qualified fellow Briton and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and replaced McLaren's Lando Norris in the record books as his country's youngest F1 driver, also the youngest driver in Ferrari's history.

Bearman, the team's reserve driver, was given a dramatic call-up on Friday morning to replace Carlos Sainz, who was diagnosed with appendicitis.

The Spaniard had driven in severe pain in both practice sessions on Thursday and underwent surgery on Friday, hoping to recover in time for the Australian Grand Prix later this month.

"When I woke up, I was mentally preparing for my Formula Two race and starting from P10," said Bearman.

"Instead, I was chucked into the deep end for FP3 (free practice 3) and qualifying in F1. It was not the ideal situation, and I do feel really sorry for Carlos, and I wish him the best, but it is a fantastic opportunity, and I'm a bit disappointed with everything … But it was a fun day out there."

With his father, David, pacing the back of the Ferrari garage and appearing to be struggling with nerves, his son drove with aplomb.

"The big differences for me from F2 to F1 are the evolution of the track, which is a big thing, and the grip. The grip is incredible. After my first lap, I was quite shocked.

"In F2, you drive at the limit of the car, but in F1, you drive at the limit of the driver – it's what the driver is prepared to do and that's a great feeling, but it takes some time to get used to. But super-fun."

Ferrari racer Charles Leclerc said: "First of all, I hope Carlos will recover quickly. Ollie has done an incredible job with only one session in FP3. He was straight up to speed. I'm happy for him. I hope that tomorrow we can have a great race and score good points for the team."

Audi plans to take 100 percent control of the Sauber F1 team ahead of its transformation into the German carmaker's factory team from 2026, the Volkswagen-owned brand said on Friday.

Oliver Hoffmann will step down from Audi's management board to take overall responsibility for the F1 program, while Andreas Seidl will run the Swiss-based team.

Seidl said: "I am looking forward to leading Audi into F1 together with a highly motivated team as CEO of the Audi F1 Team. We have a clear roadmap for how we want to become competitive in Hinwil as well as in Neuburg (Audi's F1 Power Unit facility)."

"We have ambitious goals. Realization of them is in progress and will be further accelerated through the complete takeover of Sauber by Audi," he added. 

Hoffman said: "F1 is my big passion. I am convinced that by bundling responsibilities and taking over 100 percent of Sauber Group, we will further accelerate our preparations for the launch in 2026."

In 2022, Audi – part of the Volkswagen Group – announced they would join F1 as a power unit supplier and set to use 100 percent sustainable fuels in two years, according to formula1.com.

(With input from agencies)