In Barcelona, the 19-year-old Brit will get behind the wheel of the Haas, for his second FP1 session of the season. Ayo Komatsu admits that Ollie Bearman is being ‘evaluated’ for the seat.
Ollie Bearman became one of the biggest names in the driver market after an impressive debut. Filling in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old was on pole for the Formula 2 race when he was pulled to drive in F1 as part of his reserve driver duties. He had very little preparation and was in the middle of a different race weekend. However, The Brit managed to finish the race 7th, holding off Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. Gaining points on debut.
This performance, as well as the performance he has had in his rookie F2 season, put him in the spotlight for the 2025 Haas seat. Ahead of the 2024 season, it was announced he would take part in six FP1 sessions. Three times the required amount.
The first of these FP sessions was in Imola, which he did alongside his F2 campaign. The second will be this weekend in Barcelona, where he will race alongside Magnussen on Friday.
Haas is talking to ‘several different drivers’
There is a lot of speculation around the 2025 Haas seat. There are rumors that the Brit will take one seat and Magnussen may also be replaced. In favour of Esteban Ocon or Zhou Guanyu.
Ayo Komatsu has been open about this possibility. First, about Bearman, saying, “Of course we are evaluating him, If he is not [under] consideration, we wouldn’t be running him in FP1, and the next time he’s going to be in the car is in Barcelona.”
Komatsu also made it clear that Bearman is not the only driver being considered.
When talking about the qualities Haas are looking for, Komatsu admitted, “To have somebody experienced. Somebody who’s got a really good work ethic, to integrate with the team well and really push the team forward… that’s what we’re looking for.”
Bearman has been keen to prove himself beyond his debut. Previously admitting he’s not ‘entitled’ to the seat but is eager to get back in F1 ‘as quickly as possible’.
Both Bearman and Komatsu have recognised the need for the Brit to do well in F2. A season that has had a difficult start for Bearman saw a change in Monaco when he went from 12th to 4th in the Feature Race.
With the driver market beginning to move, and rumours that Bearman has already signed a contract, no doubt teams will want to move quickly. Ollie Bearman will want to use these FP1 sessions to show his value to the team.
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