In Imola, Oliver Bearman can get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car again and recommend himself for promotion – how he and Nico Hülkenberg rate the opportunity
Will Oliver Bearman inherit Nico Hülkenberg at Haas? Now that it is clear that the German will move to Sauber, there is a vacancy in the US team from the 2025 Formula 1 season – and the sensational seventh-placed driver from Jeddah is a candidate for it
Bearman replaced the ill Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari at short notice and made a lasting impression. At the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the young Briton is back in action and takes over the Haas from Kevin Magnussen in the first free practice session. It is one of six planned practice sessions.
Asked about a possible promotion next year, Bearman says: “Of course I see this as my chance. But just because a seat is free doesn’t mean I’m entitled to it. I have to earn it by performing well in Formula 2, but even more so in the six free practice sessions.”
“I have to perform well and show that I’m ready to get into Formula 1 next year,” said the 19-year-old. However, no targets have been set for him.
“The pressure comes primarily from myself. I just want to keep learning and improving, and that in every training session. Compared to the others, I haven’t driven that many laps in a Formula 1 car yet. So it’s about continuing to improve and maximizing my potential. “
Bearman brimming with self-confidence
Bearman himself firmly believes that he has what it takes. “I’ve never doubted my abilities,” he says. “I always knew I was good enough to fight. Whenever I entered a new category, I was competitive straight away. So that was never a question for me.”
“I have a lot of confidence in my abilities,” and his previous Formula 1 appearances have only strengthened that. “Driving for Haas in Mexico last year was a good feeling and gave me even more confidence because I was competitive there,” he recalls of his first training outing in 2023.
“And then to do the weekend in Saudi, in really difficult conditions – I think I proved to everyone that I have what it takes to drive in Formula 1 in the future. I didn’t have to prove it to myself. “
Hülkenberg sees potential in Bearman
The person Bearman could succeed at Haas, namely Hülkenberg, also attests to the Brit’s great potential. “He can drive,” says the German. “It’s now up to him how he develops his talent and technical know-how. You can’t predict that, do this, do that, do this.”
“It’s up to you and also your character. How hungry is he? How much does he want to invest? It’s a dynamic thing,” says the experienced Formula 1 driver.
When asked whether Bearman will replace him in 2025, however, Hülkenberg is clueless. “I don’t know. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be my cockpit that he takes over. There are two!” After all, Kevin Magnussen’s Haas contract also expires this year.
He himself has only worked with Bearman indirectly so far, Hülkenberg continues. “I saw him in Abu Dhabi in 2023. He was there in Friday practice. In Mexico as well. Then he drove [for Ferrari]. But that’s a different team. You don’t really get to hear much about it.”
“Basically, I only heard what he said in debriefings. Nothing more.” His impression? “Okay. When I was young, I had to learn a lot too. He has good potential. “
