Teen sensation Oliver Bearman has set his sights on earning a Formula 1 drive next season after making his debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Bearman, 18, became the youngest Brit to start an F1 race when he was called up by Ferrari to fill in for Carlos Sainz, who was hit by appendicitis.

He finished seventh, two places ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and cannot wait to get another taste of being behind the wheel with the big boys.

He said: "Getting a taste of this amazing world... I know what I'm missing out on up there in F1."

Asked if he could be a regular fixture on the grid as soon as 2025, Bearman told BBC East: "I think so. It depends on how I get on.

"That's a childhood dream I would love to realise. I need to keep pushing in Formula 2 to make sure I can get that F1 seat — that's my main goal for this year.

"I need to keep up the good work and not let any of this faze me because you're only as good as your last race."

Bearman has been a member of the Ferrari driver academy since 2021.

With Hamilton joining Leclerc at the Prancing Horse next season, the Chelmsford-born starlet may have to bide his time if he wants to land a drive with the Italian team.

But after a whirlwind weekend in Jeddah, he is determined to make it to the top.

He added: "This is my third year living in Italy. It was a very daunting prospect.

"I started at 15, 16 and I was living out here by myself. But now I've gained a lot freedom and friends.

"Especially after this race, I seem to know everyone in the factory. They've all congratulated me, which is a really special feeling and I feel motivated by that.

"It's great to have recognition. It just makes you want to keep pushing and it would be amazing to race here full-time one day."