Haas hands Ferrari junior Bearman F1 practice outings

40

Haas will entrust its VF-23 to Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman in two upcoming F1 practice sessions.

A four-time winner this season in the FIA F2 Championship with Prema, Bearman will make his official F1 debut in Mexico at the end of this month and will follow up that opportunity with a second FP1 outing with Haas at F1's season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Bearman's chance to showcase his talent comes as part of F1's mandatory young driver rule, whereby all F1 teams must run a rookie in at least two practice sessions over the course of the season.

"We’re very happy to offer Oliver Bearman these outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi," stated Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.

"He’s had a stellar rookie season in Formula 2, four wins is testament to that, and as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy – we know his background preparation coming into these weekends will be first-rate. We look forward to welcoming Oliver into the team and have him drive the VF-23."

Read also:

Haas: Austin upgrade still 'on-plan', will offer heads up on 2024

Bearman was signed up by Ferrari in 2021, the 18-year-old British driver following the likes of Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman, as well as Antonio Giovinazzi in receiving outings with Haas through the US outfit's long-standing relationship with the Scuderia.

"I am so happy to be joining MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driving in Mexico and Abu Dhabi," commented Bearman.

"Getting to Formula 1 has been my dream since I was go-karting so to be driving a car for the first time this year is really special. I’m grateful to the team, and of course Ferrari, for allowing me this chance.

"I’m working hard to make sure I’m ready to support the team as best I can on both occasions."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.