Damon Hill warns Oliver Bearman after he heard unbroadcast radio message at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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Oliver Bearman was once again instantly rapid as he stepped into a Formula 1 car. This time, he was replacing an unwell Kevin Magnussen at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

It’s the second time this year that illness has opened the door for Bearman. Ferrari called him up for the Saudi Arabian GP in March when Carlos Sainz contracted appendicitis.

Then, in September, he was required at Haas after Kevin Magnussen accumulated 12 penalty points, triggering a one-race ban for the Azerbaijan GP. He had the relative luxury of full preparation before Baku.

But it was only on Friday morning that he found out he’d be needed at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Haas initially hoped that Magnussen could return to the cockpit for Saturday qualifying, but have since confirmed that he’ll be out for the entire weekend.

That may seem like a blow in their constructors’ fight. Haas have opened up a 10-point cushion over RB, their rivals for sixth place, with Magnussen scoring points on back-to-back weekends.

But Bearman was just as competitive, if not more so, on Friday. He outqualified Nico Hulkenberg and will line up 10th for Saturday’s Sprint.

Damon Hill tells Oliver Bearman F1 won’t always be a ‘perfect honeymoon’

In an unbroadcast radio message after SQ3, Bearman told his team that he was ‘so disappointed’. That’s because he made a mistake at turn one on his final lap, which meant he couldn’t qualify any higher than 10th.

He clearly felt there was more potential in the car. Bearman confused Karun Chandhok by continuing to push after his error rather than backing off, recharging his battery and attempting another lap.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1 following the session, Damon Hill warned Bearman not to be ‘too hard’ on himself. He needs to realise that he won’t always be ‘perfect’ in F1.

The teenager has done a ‘stunning job’ up to this point. However, ahead of his full-time debut in 2025 next to Esteban Ocon, he needs to be ready for ‘difficult times’.

Hill said: “I saw one of the radio communications after that. He said ‘I’m so disappointed’. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

“That’s the problem. It can’t always be a perfect honeymoon. There’s going to be a point where the wheels come off someone’s early career.

“There’s going to be difficult times and bumps along the road. My god what a stunning job he’s doing anyway.”

How F1 rules will hurt Oliver Bearman after he replaced Kevin Magnussen at Brazilian Grand Prix

Bearman was also in action in Mexico last weekend, representing Ferrari in FP1. However, his outing was cut short when he collided with Alex Albon.

One Ferrari colleague criticised Bearman afterwards, but neither driver was fully to blame for the incident. Still, it could easily have been a knock to his confidence.

Instead, he seems more assured than ever behind the wheel. He was scintillating from the outset in practice, setting the third-fastest time.

The only downside is that Bearman won’t be eligible for the Abu Dhabi test because he’ll no longer class as a rookie. Ocon is set to drive the other car.