RaceFans Round-up: Bearman drove “like a veteran”

In brief

Bearman “very much up to the task” – Vasseur

Bearman rose from 11th on the grid to finish seventh on his debut yesterday, having only had one practice session and qualifying to familiarise himself with the SF-24. Vasseur was impressed to see his driver take the chequered flag ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

“He managed these two days amazingly well, almost like a veteran,” he said. “There were no problems with his start or at the pit stop, things that were all new to him. He was always calm and precise with his feedback over the radio and gradually his confidence in the car grew so that towards the end he managed to keep two great drivers, Lando and Lewis behind him.”

Carlos Sainz Jnr, who had to give up his seat to Bearman after suffering appendicitis, was among those watching in the team’s garage.

“It was nice that Carlos was able to join us at the track today, just over 24 hours after his operation and we hope he will be able to race in Australia,” said Vasseur. “If nothing else, this weekend has taught us that, if the need arises again, we have a reserve driver who is very much up to the task.”

Hulkenberg “will return the favour” to Magnussen

Nico Hulkenberg said he would pay team mate Kevin Magnussen back for helping him score a point by slowing down their rivals in yesterday’s race – tactics which angered their rivals.

“One point is worth a lot these days,” said Hulkenberg. “It felt like a very clean race, and a really good race by the team strategy-wise.

“We split the cars during the Safety Car which was discussed before the race and that worked out well. At the restart when the faster cars disappeared, I managed to get free air, good pace, and a good rhythm.

“I think that was key, but also the teamwork from Kevin today to slow down the others for me to be able to make a pit window. It was perfect teamwork, and I’ll return the favour to him later in the season.”

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