While the Formula world is shaken by the news of Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, Haas will launch their 2024 car today. The American team will unveil the VF-24 in the early afternoon. Haas must deal with profound changes following the departure of Gunther Steiner and Simone Resta– alongside other technicians, including those in senior positions.
Many were attracted by other teams, such as the Racing Bulls. Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen will serve as their foundation for 2024. In addition to these two, Pietro Fittipaldi and Oliver Bearman will serve as the team’s reserve drivers.
Ollie Bearman: New reserve driver for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman will drive the VF-24 in six free practice sessions: Imola, Spain, Silverstone, Hungary, Mexico and Abu Dhabi. However, this will not be the only assignment this season.
Bearman will also compete in Formula 2 this season. The Ferrari Academy driver will fight for the title with several top-level drivers, including his Prema teammate, Kimi Antonelli.
Oliver is extremely happy with his confirmation in this role. These are his words:
“I am really happy to be part of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for next season. I had a great experience last year working with everyone on the team, and I’m looking forward to building on that this year.
“There are several events where I will be doing FP1 – alongside reserve driver duties, which is exciting. I am grateful to Haas and Scuderia Ferrari for their faith and for supporting me.”
The young English driver was also announced a few days ago as a reserve driver – together with Giovinazzi and Shwartzamn – for the Scuderia Ferrari and was on track yesterday in Barcelona with the F1-75 in the tests carried out by the Scuderia.
The team’s new team principal, Ayao Komatsu, commented on the choice to give continuity to the two young drivers:
“Oliver [Bearman] did an extraordinary job for us last season. Settling in well and working through both his programs in testing in Mexico and Abu Dhabi and then with its test program the following days.
“We look forward to giving him more opportunities in 2024. This will allow us to evaluate Oliver’s progress and also to allow him to sit in a Formula 1 car.
“Having Pietro [Fittipaldi[ with us for the sixth season in a row is invaluable as it provides continuity again after he has given a great contribution to our program over the years, both on and off-track.
“We’re thrilled that he’s also landed a full-time IndyCar seat this season, so he can do what he loves: racing.”
Translation: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
