Oliver Bearman is confidently eyeing a spot as a Components 1 driver for the 2025 season with Haas, showcasing his perception in his abilities as he gears up for the chance.
The 18-year-old is about to maneuver the Haas VF-24 across the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in the course of the preliminary follow session of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
This may mark his return to F1 equipment since his notable efficiency as a stand-in on the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. On that event, he stepped in for the unwell Carlos Sainz at Scuderia Ferrari and swiftly tailored to the calls for of F1, impressively clinching factors in his debut race by ending seventh.
Moreover his duties of gathering information in the course of the first follow session on Friday, Bearman may even be actively collaborating within the Components 2 Championship with PREMA Racing.
With the approaching departure of Nico Hulkenberg from Haas to Sauber within the upcoming season, many speculate that Bearman stands because the prime contender to fill the vacant spot left by the seasoned German driver.
When requested about his readiness for a full-time function throughout media interactions at Imola, Bearman exuded unwavering confidence in his talents, stating, “I’ve by no means doubted my skill. For the reason that begin, I at all times knew I used to be adequate to battle.
“At any time when I jumped into a brand new class I used to be aggressive right away, in order that’s by no means been unsure for me. I’ve a whole lot of confidence in my skill.”
Addressing the speculations surrounding his potential substitute of Hulkenberg at Haas, the Briton remarked, “I see it as my probability, however simply because there’s a seat free, doesn’t imply I’m entitled to it.”
Bearman emphasised the significance of efficiency, stating, “I nonetheless need to carry out properly and present that I’m prepared to leap into F1 subsequent yr.”
Haas Group Principal, Ayao Komatsu, has brazenly acknowledged his eager curiosity in Bearman, praising the younger driver for his maturity each on and off the F1 monitor, a top quality that was evident in the course of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.
In an interview with Mirror Sport, Komatsu expressed his admiration, saying, “He’s executed very properly up to now. What makes him particular is that, clearly, he’s obtained pace, however it’s his understanding of the context.
“The maturity is admittedly nice and, when it comes to his bodily skill, in fact he’s obtained it. He’s quick, but additionally in a position to suppose calmly after a lap or two laps about what he’s executed. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Bearman is slated to take part in a complete of six FP1 periods all through the 2024 season. Komatsu intends to leverage these periods to judge {the teenager}’s potential future with the staff.
Addressing the media at Imola, he said, “We’ve obtained six FP1 periods, and that’s a golden alternative for us to work with him after which assess how he’s, the place he’s, what his strengths or weaknesses are, and see the place we are able to develop him and work collectively if we wish to.”
Describing it as a “fairly good job interview state of affairs,” Komatsu emphasised the importance of those periods in gauging Bearman’s compatibility with the staff.
