Haas outlines expectations for Bearman in back-half of F1 season

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has offered a strong endorsement of rookie Oliver Bearman's raw talent but stresses the need for steady performance to unlock the full value of the 20-year-old’s potential.

Bearman, who earned his full-time promotion to F1 with three impressive stand-in drives in 2024 – one for Ferrari and two for Haas – has endured a blend of highs and learning curves this season, highlighted by a breakthrough sixth-place finish at last month’s Dutch Grand Prix.

Unfortunately, the Briton suffered a double blow last weekend at Monza, with a late-race collision with Williams' Carlos Sainz that spun both drivers and a resultant 10-second time penalty that knocked him down to P12 at the checkered flag.

Channeling Talent into Routine Excellence

Speaking to reporters at Monza, Komatsu praised Bearman's innate gifts while pinpointing consistency as the team's priority for the remaining nine rounds.

"I think the speed, there’s absolutely no question," Komatsu said. "You see it, there’s no doubt the talent is there.

“Then for us, it’s really a matter of harnessing that talent and then delivering it consistently, every session, every race weekend, which is what we haven’t done.

“Again, we’re working with Ollie very, very closely, providing short-term objectives, getting feedback, work ethic, etc.”

Komatsu described Bearman as a model of adaptability and positivity, key to forging team synergy.

“He’s a great kid – he’s got such a great personality, a positive personality that motivates everyone, and then he’s very, very open-minded as well,” he added.

“He takes constructive feedback – even the criticism – very, very well, so we have a very good working relationship and it’s our target this year, [in the] races remaining, just to really showcase his talent consistently. That consistency is the key."

Mutual Push for Midfield Gains

Komatsu outlined a focused strategy to build on Bearman's strengths, emphasizing shared accountability across the garage.

"What I just mentioned about the short-term objectives, that’s very important," he said. "And then just simplify your life – not life as in private life, just everything to focus on what matters.

“You cannot waste a session, you cannot waste a lap, and we have to be driving everyone – we have to be demanding more from each other.

“So even though he’s a rookie [and] he’s 20 years old, he’s a Formula 1 driver, so he’s got to be driving the team as well."

The Japanese engineer and Haas chief insists the onus is collective.

• Read also: Bearman on the brink of race ban after Monza clash

"I’m pushing the drivers but I’m also pushing the engineers and everyone as well, but he can do more on that side, and he knows and he’s capable of doing it," Komatsu noted.

"Then by getting more out of each other, not just only himself, then in return he will get a better car, he will get better information on tyre preparation, and he will score more points."

With Azerbaijan up next, followed by high-drama stops in Singapore and Austin, Komatsu's blueprint aims to convert Bearman's six points – tying Haas teammate Esteban Ocon for 16th in the drivers' standings – into a constructors' surge.

For Haas, the rookie's evolution could define their 2025 fightback.

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