The drivers market suddenly reignited after the official announcement of transfer by Nico Hulkenberg from Haas to Stake F1 Team Sauber from 2025, arrived in the morning. The German will join Audi which will take over from 2026. But in anticipation of this he will remain on the grid with Sauber who will necessarily have to say goodbye to at least one of the two drivers between Bottas and Zhou. At the moment the name of the second driver who will join Hulkenberg in Audi has not yet been communicated. The German brand is reportedly negotiating with Carlos Sainz, who has little time to choose whether to go to Audi or Mercedes. It is also unclear who will replace Hulkenberg at Haas, although all the clues at the moment seem to lead to a very interesting name, namely that of Oliver Bearman.
Haas seat, Oliver Bearman on Pole
Every market shock brings with it an inevitable cascade. Considering that for 2025 the situation is uncertain for the majority of drivers on the grid, it goes without saying that this phenomenon will be even more intense. There are currently only two free seats: that of Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes, and that of Nico Hulkenberg who will not continue his journey with the American team. Both he and Magnussen were out of contract in 2024, but the arrival of Audi gave Nico the chance to free himself and start yet another new adventure in his career, hoping to land in a team that will allow him to get closer to the podium , a goal he never achieved.
Compared to Mercedes, Haas's situation seems less opaque. In fact, the team has a reserve driver, Oliver Bearman who has already made his Formula 1 debut this year with Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz who underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis over the weekend in Jeddah. The young talent from the Ferrari Driver Academy managed, on that occasion, to score the first world championship points of his career, at debut. Bearman was immediately ready, even though he didn't go to Jeddah with the intention of taking to the track in a Formula 1. His debut undoubtedly highlighted his skills, and Haas seems ready to give him an opportunity, taking over for the first time from Mick Schumacher, a youngster in their line-up.
A choice that could be long in coming
Bearman's transition to Haas, although natural, may not be so rapid. Oliver Bearman is currently busy with Formula 2. Making the move to Haas official now could prove counterproductive. At the moment the results in the minor category are not those hoped for, especially for Prema who started the season below expectations. However, his remains the most probable name, also waiting for some other rider to be released. But this could perhaps be more of a problem for Kevin Magnussen than for Bearman.
