Ferrari is eyeing a potential seat for their promising young driver, Ollie Bearman, with the Haas F1 Team, according to reports from French outlet AutoHebdo.
As the motorsport community gears up for the customary ‘Silly Season,’ the focus shifts towards future driver line-ups for F1 teams.
This year’s ‘Silly Season’ has proven to be relatively subdued, with the confirmation of 19 drivers for the upcoming season and only one confirmed change thus far.
Daniel Ricciardo, who already stepped in to replace Nyck de Vries this year, will partner with Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming season.
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However, Williams remains the last team to announce its driver alongside Alex Albon, with Logan Sargeant currently considered the most likely candidate for the role.
While some pundits have suggested Liam Lawson as an alternative choice for Williams, time is ticking for the Kiwi driver to prove his worth.
As the majority of the grid’s contracts expire at the end of 2024, F1 teams and drivers are already looking ahead to 2025 for potential opportunities.
With significant rule changes slated for 2026, teams are keen to have their line-ups ready to navigate the impending shake-up.
Ferrari has identified Ollie Bearman as a future star in the sport and sees an opening for him at Haas.
Currently ranked sixth in Formula 2, Bearman has the potential to secure a top-three finish if he excels in the final weekend of racing in Abu Dhabi.
AutoHebdo’s report indicates that while Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg are confirmed for the upcoming season, their futures beyond 2024 are uncertain.
Both drivers have faced challenges this season, and only one of them may secure a spot on the grid in 2025.
Ferrari’s established ties with Haas could provide an avenue to facilitate Bearman’s entry into Formula 1.
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However, the report underscores that Bearman’s opportunity hinges on his performance in Formula 2, where he must contend for the championship, presumably with Prema.
The accolades for Bearman within the Prema team are already glowing, with team principal Rene Rosin describing him as an “amazing” driver.
Securing a championship in Formula 2, though a formidable feat, does not guarantee an F1 seat, as exemplified by Felipe Drugovich and potentially Theo Pourchaire.