Oliver Bearman is a tremendously talented and highly rated driver, both within the Ferrari setup and across the F1 paddock. His chances of joining the grid next season are very strong, especially given Kevin Magnussen’s current dip in form. Haas is his likely destination next season, and the American outfit is already preparing to integrate him into the team.
Before the season even began, Haas were already changing their tune about rookie drivers. Guenther Steiner, before he lost his position as team principal, suggested over winter that a rookie driver would be acceptable in the right circumstances.
Even then, rumours were emerging about Nico Hulkenberg’s departure to Sauber were developing. A scenario where the German driver left the team was widely anticipated, allowing Oliver Bearman to slot into the team very naturally. Indeed, only a few weeks ago, the Haas driver’s departure to the Hinwil-based outfit was confirmed.
For all intents and purposes, Oliver Bearman can be expected to join the US team in 2025. His brilliant junior career so far, alongside his impressive cameo in Jeddah, put him at the top of the shortlist at Haas F1. Undoubtedly, Ferrari is also pushing for his arrival.
Bearman completed some running for the Italian outfit earlier today, participating in the team’s test of the new FIA splash covers. This represents only the beginning of his duties in 2024, which will also consist of six free practice sessions.
The first is scheduled to be in Imola next week, helping to build upon his existing experience in F1 machinery. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has already outlined that Bearman’s free practice efforts will play a bigger role than his F2 results for his F1 chances.
Therefore, the British driver’s preparations for these sessions will be essential. These FP1 runs will also be important for the team to compare Bearman’s data to Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
