Oliver Bearman surprised everyone in Jeddah and not in F2, the category in which he was supposed to race this weekend, but in Formula 1. Bearman ended the weekend finishing in the points, and not with just any team, but with Ferrari. The debut anticipated in the top category, due to the absence of Carlos Sainz struggling with an unpleasant operation for appendicitis, highlighted the qualities of the young driver, opening up to the possibilities of an imminent future in Formula 1, as an official driver starting next season. The idea, although ambitious, does not seem unachievable. There are many drivers whose contracts expire at the end of 2024. Two of these are from the Haas team, where Bearman already holds the role of third driver. But the Team Principal of the American team, Komatsu, expressed his opinion on the possibility of seeing Bearman in Haas in 2025, who made it clear that he did not want to change the driver line-up.
Bearman praised by all, but Komatsu remains firm on his ideas
At just 18 years old, Bearman was the youngest driver to make his Ferrari debut. After obtaining Pole in qualifying in Jeddah with F2, he was called to represent the Maranello team by taking part in just one free practice session before qualifying. Ollie thus lost points in the minor category. A loss compensated, however, by the great resonance given by the debut in Formula 1. A debut above expectations, not only for the result obtained but also for the character demonstrated by the boy, subjected to a much greater effort than that required of F2 drivers during a race. Bearman's performance was praised by everyone, drivers and team principals. As, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu also wanted to compliment the young Ollie.
"It was impressive - Komatsu said. Even during the race he is able to absorb information from the previous lap and make small changes to improve on the next one. This circuit isn't the easiest to suddenly tackle in FP3, so I'm very happy for him. I think he deserves a chance next year.”
Haas currently has Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg in the team. Both are out of contract but Bearman's presence could provide an assist to the team principal if there was a need to change something within the team. At the moment Komatsu does not take this option into consideration. We are still at the beginning of the season and he wants to see where the team will arrive first, which he conquered in Jeddah his first point iridescent of the season, thanks to the teamwork between Hulkenberg and Magnussen.
“Aside from the penalty, Kevin (Magnussen, ed.) it was great. Nico too (Hulkenberg, ed.) he gave his best. So how could I say Bearman will be our driver next year? According to today's performance we have no intention to change our line-up”.
Source statements: Formula1.it
