Oliver Bearman seems to be steadily advancing towards a permanent position with Haas for the 2025 racing season.
Recent developments reveal that Haas, the modest-sized American team, is set to part ways with its current standout German driver, Nico Hulkenberg, who is moving to the Audi-backed Sauber team.
Ayao Komatsu, the team boss, expressed that losing Hulkenberg is a significant setback. He remarked at Imola, "Of course we'll feel it," noting, "He's been providing us with an amazing reference, especially in a team like ours - not as big as those other guys." Komatsu also highlighted the uncertainty for the following year, saying, "And it really depends on who we're going to get for next year as well."
Kevin Magnussen, another seasoned driver on the team, has been lagging behind Hulkenberg since 2023 and is now facing a potential race ban due to his aggressive and controversial recent driving tactics.
Komatsu and Hulkenberg were even critical of Magnussen's performance in Miami, though Komatsu acknowledged Magnussen's intentions by saying, "In his mind, he was trying his best to help Nico," and added, "Whether we completely agree with that methodology or not is another matter."
Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, recently expressed confidence that Haas would opt for another experienced driver in 2025, possibly Valtteri Bottas.
Nonetheless, 18-year-old Oliver Bearman, connected with Ferrari, is almost guaranteed a spot with Haas next year. Bearman made a strong impression this year filling in for the ill Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and just completed his first of six practice sessions for 2024 at Imola on Friday.
When questioned about what it will take for Bearman to lock in a permanent seat for 2025, Komatsu said at Imola, "I think continue to deliver like this." He praised Bearman's performance, noting, "At first glance, we can't fault what he's done today. And that was the case last year when we ran him in two sessions as well." Komatsu concluded, "So, yeah, if he continues to perform like this, for sure, it's difficult to ignore."
