What Ollie Bearman did that ‘particularly impressed’ Nico Hulkenberg in Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying

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Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was fascinating with Charles Leclerc taking pole position for the fourth consecutive year for Ferrari.

However, it was two rookies who caught the attention of Formula 1 fans watching on with Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto standing out on Saturday.

Colapinto earned the praise of former world champion Damon Hill after outqualifying teammate Alex Albon – something his predecessor Logan Sargeant never achieved for a Grand Prix.

Bearman’s feat at Haas was arguably even more impressive having never driven the car for a full race weekend before arriving in Baku.

The teenager will start Sunday’s race from 11^th after narrowly missing out on reaching Q3 which was eerily similar to his debut with Ferrari in Jeddah.

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Haas driver and Ferrari gem Oliver Bearman? Everything to know

Bearman managed to set a time two-tenths quicker than teammate Nico Hulkenberg and speaking on The Race F1 Briefing, Jonny Reynolds explained what the 19-year-old did that left his more experienced teammate so impressed.  

Hulkenberg has been brilliant all year and while Sauber haven’t done much right in 2024, securing his services for next season and beyond could prove to be a masterstroke.

He’ll end up being one of Bearman’s rivals in 2025 but until then, he’ll be helping the youngster get to grips with the car at a very tricky track but one that Bearman loves from his time in Formula 2.

What Oliver Bearman did during Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying that Nico Hulkenberg loved

Talking about the performance of the Haas team, Reynolds said: “Whereas Albon can at least rightly point to the fan mishap as causing his defeat, Hulkenberg had no such excuse against Bearman and didn’t try to excuse himself anyway.

“He said, ‘Personally, I’ve always been under pressure here and it’s always been difficult for me, it just doesn’t suit my natural driving style.

“Hulkenberg also heaped praise on his young teammate saying about Bearman, ‘From the get-go yesterday he was on the pace, he adapted very fast. He’s a fast learner. I think he really likes these street circuits and he really nails it.

READ MORE: Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg’s life outside F1 from wife to height

“Hulkenberg was particularly impressed with how Bearman was able to put his crash in final practice to the back of his mind though the young Britain admitted it gnawed away at him after qualifying and he even cited it as the potential explanation for him just missing out on Q3.

“Bearman said, ‘I’m tough on myself because I know the car could have done more. If I felt the car was only fast enough for P11, I would be really happy right now.

“’But the car was definitely quick enough to be in Q3, that’s why I’m disappointed.”

Bearman shares Hulkenberg advice during Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend

Many would have tipped Bearman to be one of the favourites to win the Formula 2 title this season after a brilliant rookie campaign last year.

However, Prema’s issues alongside some bad luck and now two missed race weekends due to F1 duties have all but ended his hopes.

The experience Bearman is getting with Haas will be much more important for next season and beyond as his place on the grid in 2025 is already confirmed.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Haas F1 Team from team principal to Ferrari relationship

Hulkenberg has been helping Bearman this weekend and next season it’ll be Esteban Ocon tasked with guiding the Brit through his first full campaign.

The way he recovered from his crash in practice was brilliant although he’ll be frustrated with the mistake he made and how he tried to avoid the barrier.

Bearman’s even left Mercedes boss Toto Wolff impressed in Baku and he’ll be hoping he can race against current Prema teammate Kimi Antonelli next year even if the young Italian is going to be in a superior car.