British teenage star Oliver Bearman is set for an opportunity to audition for a vacant Haas seat ahead of the 2025 season.
He will undergo six practice sessions in order to get prepared for his potential next team, with Nico Hulkenberg set to depart at the end of the year, and the Haas Principal Ayao Komatsu has made it clear that his training performances are the most important factor in determining his future.
Bearman, 18, impressed in Saudi Arabia earlier this year by finishing seventh when he filled in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, and believes he is ready to take the next step in sealing a Formula One seat for next year.
When asked whether he felt he could nail down a spot at Haas through the practice sessions, Bearman said: ‘Yes, I see it of course as my chance,’ as quoted by The Mirror.
Bearman is believed to be in pole position to replace Nico Hulkenberg, while Kevin Magnussen is also out of contract at the end of the season.
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Oliver Bearman (pictured) is hopeful of securing a 2025 Haas seat, with Nico Hulkenberg departing at the end of the year
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Nico Hulkenberg (pictured) is set to join Audi for their first Formula One entry in 2026
Hulkenberg will drive for Sauber next season before joining the Audi project to become the team’s first driver for its entry to Formula One in 2026,
However, the Bearman is firm that the seat still needs to be earned.
‘Just because there is a seat free, doesn’t mean I’m entitled to it,’ he said.
Despite the significant interest from the American racing team, Bearman remains focused on his fight for the Formula Two title and then plans to ‘perform well’ and ‘show’ he is ready to jump into Formula One next year.
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Bearman was drafted in to take the place of Carlos Sainz at late notice before going on to finish seventh at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
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It was a dream debut for the new F1 star who was seen embracing his father, David, afterwards
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Despite an impressive debut for Ferrari, it seems that the British driver will have no place on the team in 2025, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace Carlos Sainz
Despite flourishing in the Middle East earlier this year, there is unlikely to be a place for Bearman at Ferrari next year, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace Carlos Sainz instead.
But the Essex-born driver’s performance at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix did catch the eye of Hamilton, as he hailed his fellow Brit’s drive ‘sensational’.
‘It has showed he is a really bright future star,’ Hamilton added.
