After Nico Hulkenberg announced he’s leaving Haas at the end of 2024 to join Sauber next year, Haas has an open seat for 2025. The team’s reserve driver, Bearman, is seen as the top choice to replace Hulkenberg because of his position in the team and his participation in six FP1 sessions this year.
Bearman, who’s only 18, got a big chance to join F1 after he replaced an unwell Carlos Sainz for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and finished seventh. But he also needs to do well in F2 to keep enough superlicence points to move up to F1. His work ethic at Haas is important too.
Komatsu, from Haas, thinks what Bearman does in F2 is crucial, but how he performs with the team matters a lot too. Haas has six FP1 sessions planned for Bearman, starting in Imola. Komatsu says Bearman has been impressive so far and fitted in well with the team.
Komatsu says Hulkenberg leaving won’t change Bearman’s practice plans much. The team has goals for each weekend, and Bearman needs to understand and help with those goals. Bearman has shown he can handle pressure and understand the bigger picture, which is important for a driver.
If Bearman keeps doing well and handles any challenges that come his way, like car issues during practice, then it’s likely he’ll get the seat for 2025.
