Fred Vasseur hints at Oliver Bearman’s potential full-time F1 debut with Haas F1 next year, as the young talent impresses.
Vasseur acknowledges that “it’s a possibility” that the impressive 18-year-old rookie Oliver Bearman could make his full-time F1 debut with Haas F1 next year.
As Carlos Sainz was sidelined with appendicitis just before the last free practice session in Jeddah, Ferrari junior Bearman was moved from the Formula 2 paddock directly into a red suit.
The majority of the F1 paddock was impressed as he finished the weekend in 7th place.
Bearman is expected to take part in six Free Practice 1 sessions for the Ferrari-affiliated small team throughout 2024 – but Vasseur is trying to temper the hype and expectations.
“He’s only done one race, so the best way to help him is not to jump to conclusions,” said the Frenchman.
“We need to take it slow. In a few weeks, this result will be forgotten.”
“He will have the chance over the season to do some testing and to test the car, but his focus this year is on Formula 2, and now he needs to catch up.”
However, a seat at Haas-Ferrari for 2025 remains a “possibility” for Bearman, admits Vasseur.
And this seems to be supported by Ferrari chairman John Elkann as well. “One of the big efforts at Ferrari in recent years has been to focus on the young,” he said.
Ayao Komatsu, the new team principal of Haas F1, would certainly not be closed off to the idea as he himself was impressed by Bearman during his free and private testing last year.
Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Debut. Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Debut
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