How hard is the step up from F2 to F1? Jolyon Palmer explains the challenge faced by Oliver Bearman in Jeddah


Given the lack of testing in modern Formula 1, it’s arguably never been more difficult for rookies to make the step up to the top category – and 18-year-old Oliver Bearman was thrown in at the deep end last weekend when he was called up by Ferrari at the last minute to deputise for Carlos Sainz.
GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer knows what it’s like to step up to Formula 1 from the second tier – and explains here the challenge Bearman faced in Jeddah…

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
10 times F1 drivers looked out for their own
JacquesRating the 2025 F1 rookies on their season so far
WATCH: The story of the 2025 season so far
UnlockedInside the F1 driver’s bubble – The Race Engineer
Everything we know about the new Cadillac F1 team
UnlockedWhen Senna clinched his emotional debut home win