Friday’s opening practice session at the Emilia Romagna GP will offer F1 fans a glimpse into the future for Haas, with Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman replacing Kevin Magnussen for FP1.
The 18-year-old defied expectations earlier this year when he was called up by the Scuderia at the last hour to replace an ailing Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian GP.
Bearman qualified P11 after enjoying a single practice session and duly delivered a remarkable seventh-place finish to the Italian outfit on his F1 debut.
The young gun is expected to join Haas in 2025 for a full campaign with the US outfit.
But in the interim, Bearman will enjoy at Imola the first of several FP1 outings scheduled with the team this season.
The run, which follows his first FP1 outings with Haas in 2023 in Mexico and in Abu Dhabi, is not only a chance for the rookie to boost his F1 experience, it will also allow the team to fulfill the first of its two 2024 mandated young driver obligations.
“I’m really looking forward to re-joining the team and taking part in FP1 in Imola,” commented Bearman in Haas’ race weekend preview.
“The team is having a strong season and I’m hoping, with the extra experience I have since our last time together, I’ll be able to help continue the run of form they’re in!”
This weekend, Bearman is juggling his F1 opportunity with his primary focus, the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Prema.
The Briton currently sits 19th in the series after six events, having missed the two races held in Jeddah due to his F1 debut.
It's a busy schedule for the young driver, but with a strong showing at Imola, Bearman will solidify his position as a top contender for a 2025 race seat with Haas, continuing the team's impressive upward this season amid their close Ferrari ties.
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