Oliver Bearman on target for Imola Free Practice 1
The British driver is back at the wheel of a Formula 1 car. He will be testing the VF-24 in the first free practice session of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. An important session for the man rumoured to be Niko Hülkenberg's replacement. The latter has announced his departure from Haas at the end of the season.
However, committed to F2 on this Italian weekend, Oliver Bearman finds himself behind the wheel of an F1 during free practice 1. This is not the first time he will drive a Haas as he was able to test the 2023 version twice last year: in Mexico and in Abu Dhabi. However, the stakes are high for the young driver. Following the announcement of Niko Hülkenberg’s departure to join Sauber, a seat is available at Haas for 2025… and he is seen as the favorite.
Indeed, quite convincing during his first laps in F1, he impressed above all during his first Grand Prix. As a reserve driver for Haas and Ferrari, he was called up at the last minute to fill in for the absentee Carlos Sainz in Jeddah (appendicitis). Oliver Bearman then delivered a strong performance for his first time behind the wheel of the Italian car. He finished 7th after a very well-managed race.
His name is circulating more and more now, this new opportunity in Imola represents another chance to prove that he is legitimate for a seat in F1.
Fast in F1, less successful in F2
Three F2 weekends have already taken place this season. With his participation in F1 in Jeddah, he was unable to take part in the F2 round, which was held on the same weekend. It is therefore logical that he is far down in the standings, in 19th position.
Only it has only two points in the standings… During the first race of the season, he struggled at the wheel of the Prema, which clearly lacked pace. He struggled again in Australia, failing to do better than a 9th place in the main race.
A Formula 2 championship that takes a back seat?
He was the favorite for the F2 title at the start of the season. Bearman was almost obliged to win the championship before being able to claim a place in the higher tier. However, the announcement of Hülkenberg’s departure at the end of the season has changed everything. Haas director Ayao Komatsu hinted that he would pay more attention to his performances in F1 tests than to his results in F2…
Oliver Bearman will test the Haas several times this season. It will be necessary to follow these free practice 1 closely: the obtaining of the vacant seat at Haas may be played out at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit, in Imola. Answer on Friday starting at 1:30 pm.
