Bearman back at 'special' debut-track Jeddah

Oliver Bearman reflected on Thursday on his "special" relationship with Jeddah's Corniche circuit, venue for this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

It was at the street track last season that the young Briton first burst onto the Formula One scene.

He was called up by Ferrari at the 11th hour to act as 'super-sub' for appendicitis-hit Carlos Sainz.

Bearman embraced the golden opportunity, finishing an impressive seventh after only one practice session.

He also entered the F1 record books that day as Ferrari's youngest ever driver at 18 and the youngest Briton to race in the sport.

"That was a crazy weekend, one year ago, to come back one year on is a very special feeling" Bearman said at the circuit on Thursday.

"I've always loved driving this track. I've always had decent performances, actually," he added.

"And then, of course, to have my debut as well, I think this track will always be quite special to me."

The unexpected run-out 12 months ago earned him a call-up this season to drive for the Ferrari-engined Haas team alongside Esteban Ocon.

"I'm quite happy with how it's going," he said.

"We've had two races with both cars in the points, which is really, really good."

Being thrown into the glitzy F1 spotlight has inevitably changed the youngster's life immeasurably.

"Stepping into F1, you have more fans and people knowing you, that can be good and and bad I guess.

"It's what I've been dreaming of since I was young, so I'm very happy being here."

With Jeddah the final leg of three successive race weekends Bearman is looking forward to a mini-break.

"The travel is long, if all the tracks could be in Europe! It feels tough now to do all that travel, but the more races I do the more I'm enjoying it.

"When the results are coming, I am happy to keep going."

Bearman has picked up six points in his rookie campaign after four races to leave him 13th in the drivers' standings, with his teammate Ocon on 14 points in 9th.