Bearman was told just a few hours before the final practice session at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that he would replace Sainz, having been in Jeddah competing in the Formula 2 championship.
This time around he has had longer to prepare for a race and acknowledged there will “definitely be some nerves” when he takes to the grid.
“I’ll try and keep the emotions away from it as much as possible, because that makes your life a bit easier,” said Bearman. “But no doubt I’ll be a little bit nervous when those lights are going on.
“My expectation is really not based on results, but more on my personal performance. I just want to get the most out of myself, build up in a measured way, and really use it as a test for next year.”
Bearman also spoke of the sacrifices he and his family have made to fulfil his dreams of becoming a racing driver.
He recalled a time as a child when work on the family home was delayed to enable his parents to purchase a special Christmas present.
“Maybe my mum wasn’t wasn’t so pleased at the time, but my first go-kart, which was from Santa Claus, was really a great gift,” recalled Bearman.
“So it was definitely a worthy sacrifice in my eyes!”
Bearman moved to Modena in Italy when he was 16 to join the the Ferrari academy programme and said it was “very difficult” in the early days because he missed family and friends.
However, his determination to make it in F1 has made him realise he will have to forego other things in life to reach his goals.
“I’m sure it will come with a lot more sacrifices in the future,” said Bearman. “As my friends get older, I’ll be missing their weddings and stuff like that.
“That’s part of life. Racing has always come first and will continue to do. So that’s just kind of the passion and the dedication that you need to succeed.”
