The teenager’s impressive drive to seventh place, filling in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Jeddah, has led many to speculate that he will be promoted to a Haas race seat in 2025.
Bearman participated in two FP1 sessions for the US outfit last season and has a schedule of six outings planned for this year.
However, Hulkenberg suggests that Bearman should concentrate on his current role in F2 rather than being distracted by the possibility of moving up to F1.
“It’s too early to say,” he remarked when asked if he felt he was potentially competing with team-mate Kevin Magnussen for a seat alongside Bearman.
“He has a big task ahead in F2. If he doesn’t perform well there, his Jeddah race will be forgotten quickly. That’s how this business operates.
“He’s under pressure to deliver in F2 now.” Regarding the importance of a young driver seizing their chance in F1, Hulkenberg stated: “If you get an opportunity, you have to seize it, and he did that in Jeddah.
But he’s a Ferrari junior. If he continues to perform strongly, even in F2, he’ll get a chance eventually.” While praising Bearman’s debut performance, Hulkenberg acknowledged that the competitive Ferrari machinery at his disposal had contributed to his potential.
“He had the second-best car, and that makes a significant difference,” he added. “It’s tough for everyone else in the midfield and for us to see that. But that’s how it goes.”
Echoing Hulkenberg’s sentiments, Kevin Magnussen commented on the possibility of having Bearman as a teammate in the future. “I can relate to where he is in his career and his life,” said Magnussen.
“So I wish him all the best, of course. Nico is a very competent teammate. We have a good dynamic, and we’re working well together. We need to make the most of what we have with the drivers and car we have now.”
