Ollie Bearman was barely three months old when Fernando Alonso won his first world championship in 2005 – but on his Formula One debut in Mexico City, the Essex 18-year-old finished ahead of the double world champion. “That was an added bonus,” he said with a broad smile. On Friday, Bearman made history by becoming the youngest British driver to step foot in an F1 machine at a Grand Prix weekend. And he quietly impressed, too. Competing for American outfit Haas, Bearman finished 15th in first practice, only 1.6 seconds slower than triple world champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of Nico Hulkenberg – a veteran of 200 grands prix – in the other Haas. He was also speedier than Alonso. Five rookies were fielded at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, and Bearman was quickest of them all. Raised in Chelmsford, and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, Bearman joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16. Bearman had just won both the German and Italian Formula Four championships, and his performances made those at Maranello sit up and take note. He quit school – despite initial resistance from his mother, Terri – left the family home in Chelmsford, and moved to Modena, a dozen miles north of Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy. Two years on, and his Italian twang is noticeable. “Maybe I got a bit lucky not to get the Essex accent,” he joked, in an interview with the PA news agency. I miss my family, my two dogs - I have an English Bull Terrier and a Boston Terrier and they are very cute - and that is the negative side. But the food in Italy is a big chunk above the English stuff, and the weather is better, too Ollie Bearman “A lot of people have told me my accent has changed even if I don’t notice it. I spend a lot of time with Italians and to communicate with people where English is not their first language is not easy, so I have changed my word order and ended up with this everywhere accent. “When I moved to Modena it happened pretty quickly. It was like going to university two years early, but I have loved every moment so far. My mum was very pro-school and very pro-education, but we managed to convince her in the end. “I miss my family, my two dogs – I have an English Bull Terrier and a Boston Terrier and they are very cute – and that is the negative side. But the food in Italy is a big chunk above the English stuff, and the weather is better, too.” Following four victories in his rookie Formula Two season – the feeder series to F1 – Bearman was thrust into the spotlight in Mexico City, eclipsing Lando Norris as the sport’s youngest Brit. Norris, now in his fifth season, was three months shy of his 19th birthday when he took part in practice for McLaren in Belgium in 2018. Bearman turned 18 in May. When Lewis Hamilton made his F1 bow, Bearman was only 18 months old. Yet on Friday, he shared the same asphalt as the seven-time world champion. “When I heard Hamilton was coming up behind me on a push lap I was like ‘wow, I will get out of the way’,” he added. However, it was Hamilton’s former McLaren team-mate, the 2009 world champion Jenson Button, who was Bearman’s childhood hero. “I heard Jenson was praising me on Sky, and that was amazing for me to hear,” he adds. “I don’t know why, but he was always the guy I loved and really looked up to. It is cool that he recognised my performance in practice, and I will try to speak to him here – that is my goal.” Bearman will remain in F2 next season and he will be back in an F1 machine in practice for Haas – effectively Ferrari’s B team – next month in Abu Dhabi. “It is really cool that I have been given this opportunity,” he said. “My whole career has been a pinch-yourself moment, and this is another one. “Ferrari is such an elusive team. They are an iconic brand, they have an iconic colour and they have the best-looking car on the grid. They are putting a lot of trust in me, and loyalty is an important part of this paddock. “Of course my goal is to become a Ferrari driver, and I need to do that with my performances on track. Today was an amazing moment, and one I will savour for years to come. “It is a shame it was only practice, but it is all part and parcel of the work we have been doing to get to the top.” Read More Max Verstappen sets fastest time in Mexican Grand Prix practice Max Verstappen urges fans to show him respect ahead of feisty Mexican Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton claims many more cars were illegal at United States Grand Prix Max Verstappen beefs up security in preparation for hostile reception in Mexico On this day in 2015: Lewis Hamilton crowned F1 world champion for third time Mercedes ‘need to take Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification on the chin’

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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists Formula 1 needs less races ahead of a record-breaking 2024 season – but more teams in wake of Andretti’s bid to become the 11th team on the grid. US-based Andretti, owned by Michael Andretti – the son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario, were the only prospective new team approved by the FIA to be a new outfit in F1 with the matter now in the hands of FOM (Formula One Management). Ben Sulayem, who took over as FIA chief at the start of last year and has caused controversy for his comments in relation to commercial rights holder F1 in the past, believes the sport should be looking to expand and says his “dream” is for 12 teams, the maximum amount currently allowed. “Saying no to a team which has been approved by the FIA [i.e. Andretti] – it’s very hard,” Ben Sulayem told Reuters. “The FIA should be asking, begging, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to come in. We should not just say no to them. “If you say: ‘What is my dream?’ It is to fill up the 12 [team slots] and to have one US team from an OEM and a [power unit] and a driver from there. And then go to China maybe and ask for the same thing and do it.” The current viewpoint within F1 towards a new team is believed to be lukewarm at best, due to financial concerns, though a thorough analysis will be undertaken. F1 will hold a record-breaking 24 races next season – up from 22 this year – with China and Imola returning after their cancellations in 2022. One issue mooted with more teams in the paddock has been space at traditional, older tracks like Zandvoort, but Ben Sulayem pointed towards the accommodation of Brad Pitt’s fictional Apex team for the F1-based Hollywood movie on the grid at times this season. “We are allowed to have 12 teams,” he added. “Some of the teams said ‘Oh, it will be crowded’. Really? We are already running a Hollywood team with us. “The circuits are supposed to have enough garages and space for 12 teams. I think the number of races is too much [rather] than the number of teams. We need more teams and fewer races. “The teams are looking at the piece of cake. I understand their worries but our worries are different.” Read More Aston Martin boss urges F1 to stick to 10 teams Andretti F1 team entry bid accepted by FIA What Lewis Hamilton’s clash with George Russell tells us about state of play at Mercedes F1 reveal unique Las Vegas GP schedule and ‘opening ceremony’ plans Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar F1 driver Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet during ‘horrible’ Qatar Grand Prix

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As we wave goodbye to summer and the low autumn sun signals a shift in seasons, a woodland vibe is suddenly where it’s at. Think harvest time, nature trails, fiery oranges, pumpkins, log baskets and cosy furnishings to come home to. Here’s how to style up your space and rework existing pieces with autumnal-themed decor and a countrycore aesthetic… 1. Autumn Harvest Floral Wreath – Orange, £27.99, The Range Adorned with autumnal shades of yellow, orange and burgundy with petite pumpkins peeking out, this rustic wreath can be hung on the door, or placed as a centrepiece to elevate your timely tablescape. 2. Yankee Candle Autumn Daydream, £29.99, Yankee Candle With top notes of clove, lavender, balsam and eucalyptus, we’ve a burning desire to evoke warming woodland scents for a homely ambience. 3. Emma Bridgewater Vegetable Garden Tomatoes Soup Plate, £25, Daisy Park With thoughts turning to comfort food, this is the soup plate to cosy up with. 4. Toadstool Ceramic Salt & Pepper Shakers, £18.50, Oliver Bonas We’ve fallen for these fairytale toadstools. 5. George Natural Reactive Glaze Dinner Set 12-Piece, £30, George Natural Vintage Ceramic Bottle, £12, Direct.asda Think cottage-style interiors, reclaimed wooden tables, rustic woven hanging baskets – and this timeless stoneware is the finishing touch. 6. Glass BonBon Jar Set of 2, £32.90, Solavia Glassware What could be lovelier than rambling through the countryside and foraging for pine cones, conkers and their spiky green shells? These glass vessels are perfect for showcasing favourite finds. 7. George Orange Halloween Pumpkin Teapot, £8, George Orange Halloween Pumpkin Serving Bowl, (23.3 x 20.3 x 28.5cm), £12, rest of items from a selection, Direct.asda It’s pumpkin season which means earthy, sweet squash recipes topped with a warming cuppa. 8. Geometric Square Scatter Cushion Cover, Brick, £12.99, Fausley Log Carrier, £62.99, and other items from a selection, Wayfair Time to transition your soft furnishings – switch out light covers and throws for heavier fall fabrics. Chunky cushions, faux fur, thick knits and a log basket are your best bet to get the look. 9. Autumn Harvest Pod Garland, £55, Sophie Allport This harvest garland features faux leaves, simple straw, pinecones and seasonal berries for an autumn colour palette. Lay on a fireplace or drape along a windowsill and style with LED pillar candles… 180cm of length to play with. 10. British Wildlife Collection – Hedgehog Side Plate, £22.50, Jimbobart When it comes to prickly friends, this sweet side plate imbibes thoughts of country living and spotting hedgehogs amongst the hedgerows. 11. Hello Pumpkin Autumn Cushion, £18, Next Every accent chair calls for a pumpkin cushion to snug into this time of year.

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