Bearman and Antonelli Gear Up for Suzuka Super Formula

Antonelli and Bearman will test in Super Formula at Suzuka, gaining valuable experience ahead of their F1 debut at the Japanese circuit.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman, who will make their F1 race debuts next year, will participate in the end-of-season Super Formula tests in Japan. This will allow them to familiarize themselves with the Suzuka circuit, which will host the third race of the upcoming season.

It is not yet known which teams will run the two Prema drivers, who will race for Mercedes and Haas next year. However, it is confirmed that the Briton will take part in all three test days, while the Italian will arrive only on Friday, the 13th, to drive for one day.

Bearman is no longer eligible to take part in the young driver test on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, having raced in three Grands Prix this year. As a result, he loses his rookie status, unlike Antonelli, who will take part in the F1 young driver test before heading to Japan.

Bearman was originally scheduled to take part in the Abu Dhabi FP1, but Haas decided otherwise, as explained by Ayao Komatsu: “Oliver was supposed to drive in FP1 here, but he had already raced twice with us, in Baku and Interlagos. This weekend, we knew the constructors’ championship title was going to be decided at the very end.”

“So, for me, it didn’t make sense to give the FP1 seat to someone just for that session, even someone who is good and part of our future. We simply wanted this weekend to be as consistent as possible, so the driver starting FP1 had to be the one racing.”