Ollie Bearman to Drive for Haas in Upcoming Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix: A Fresh Talent on the F1 Horizon
In a recent announcement, Haas F1 Team has confirmed that Ollie Bearman, a rising star from the Ferrari Driver Academy, will drive the VF-23 during free practice sessions in the upcoming Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. This marks a significant step in Bearman’s career, aligning with F1’s regulations of involving rookie drivers in practice sessions.
Key Takeaways:
- Ollie Bearman’s Introduction to Haas: Bearman, a promising young driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy, is set to participate in the free practice sessions of the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix with Haas. This opportunity comes as part of Formula 1’s sporting regulations, which require teams to allow rookie drivers to participate in at least two FP1 sessions per season.
- Bearman’s Racing Pedigree: Having joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in November 2021, Bearman boasts an impressive track record. He was the champion of the Italian F4 and ADAC F4 championships in 2021 and has achieved four wins in the current Formula 2 season, including a remarkable sprint/feature double at Baku.
- Haas Team’s Confidence in Bearman: Haas team principal Guenther Steiner expressed his confidence in Bearman, acknowledging his stellar performance in Formula 2. Steiner emphasized Bearman’s preparedness and potential contribution to the team in the upcoming sessions.
The Haas F1 team’s latest announcement that Ollie Bearman will be driving the VF-23 in free practice sessions at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix is a significant milestone in the young driver’s career. Bearman, who is currently making waves in Formula 2 with Prema Racing, will now get a taste of Formula 1 action, fulfilling a long-held aspiration.
Bearman’s association with the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy has been a cornerstone of his racing career. Joining the academy in November 2021 after clinching the titles in both the Italian F4 and ADAC F4 championships, he quickly ascended to Formula 2, where his talent continued to shine. In the current season, Bearman has secured four wins, including a notable sprint/feature double victory at Baku, as well as feature race wins at Monza and Barcelona, putting him in sixth place in the Drivers’ Standings.
Expressing his excitement, Bearman said in a press release, “I am so happy to be joining MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driving in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. 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.”
Guenther Steiner, the Haas team principal, also shared his enthusiasm about Bearman’s inclusion. He remarked, “We’re very happy to offer Oliver Bearman these outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. 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.”
This development represents not only a crucial step in Bearman’s career but also signifies Haas’s commitment to nurturing young talent. The team’s history of providing opportunities to drivers like Mick Schumacher, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Charles Leclerc demonstrates their dedication to fostering new talent in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Bearman’s introduction to the team during the Qatar Grand Prix as a preparatory step underlines the importance of these practice sessions for rookie drivers. His performance in these sessions could be a glimpse into the future of Formula 1, showcasing the potential of emerging talents in the sport.
