F1 News: Oliver Bearman On Haas Seat - "Looking Forward To Building Up A Relationship"
Ferrari F2 driver and F1 reserve driver Oliver Bearman aims to strengthen his ties with the Haas F1 team during the 2024 season, with speculation suggesting they could provide the opportunity for his full-time Formula 1 debut following his impressive performance in Sauda Arabia last weekend, where he secured P7.
Key Takeaways:
- Ferrari F2 driver Oliver Bearman aims to strengthen ties with Haas F1 after his impressive P7 finish in Saudi Arabia, potentially paving the way for a full-time F1 debut.
- Carlos Sainz's absence allowed Bearman to shine in the Jeddah Grand Prix, advancing from P11 to P7 during the race.
- Bearman's strong performance has attracted attention, positioning him as a potential future F1 title contender. He plans to leverage FP1 opportunities with Haas to gain experience and secure a permanent spot on the F1 grid by 2025.
Carlos Sainz's surgery for appendicitis forced him to miss the Grand Prix in Jeddah, allowing Bearman to step in. Despite starting from P11, Bearman showcased a strong performance, advancing to P7 in the race.
The 18-year-old's 'talk of the town' performance, featuring a tough fight to McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, was one of the highlights of his debut F1 run. Several F1 insiders suggest that he is definitely a future Formula 1 title contender.
Sainz's return status for the Australian Grand Prix remains uncertain. If he does come back, Bearman will resume his Formula 2 commitments, aiming to make up lost ground after missing the Saudi Arabia race despite securing the pole position. However, Bearman is anticipated to make further appearances during F1 race weekends in 2024, likely during FP1 sessions with Haas.
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He aims to secure a spot on the F1 grid, potentially with the Ferrari customer team, as early as 2025. He plans to leverage his FP1 opportunities to gain experience and strengthen his relationship with Haas.
When he was asked in Saudi Arabia what he could do to make his position permanent in Formula 1, Bearman answered:
“I don’t know what else I can do, because I don’t think I’ll be in F1 for the rest of the year.
“I think I did a decent job and that’s all I can do, push in F2 and cross my fingers.
“I have a lot of FPs with Haas this year, so I’m looking forward to building up a relationship and gaining more miles in the car.”
Bearman's impressive debut Formula 1 performance has put him in the tenth spot on the 2024 Drivers' Standings.