Bearman Takes Wheel of VF-24 for Hungarian FP1

Haas F1 gears up for a surprising showing in Hungary as Oliver Bearman tests the VF-24 in first practice.

A resurgent Haas F1 team arrives in Hungary this weekend, buoyed by their recent performances.

Nico Hülkenberg is indeed riding high from back-to-back sixth-place finishes. These 20 points accrued over two races (together with Kevin Magnussen’s eighth place in Austria) have enabled the team to extend their lead over Alpine F1 in the constructors’ standings.

However, Budapest presents a distinct set of challenges from the last two Grands Prix in Austria and the United Kingdom. The heat will be a factor, and the circuit primarily features low to medium-speed corners.

In these conditions, can Haas F1 achieve the feat of a third consecutive top-six finish? Team principal Ayao Komatsu believes it’s possible.

“Budapest is a circuit that demands a lot of aerodynamic downforce, with short straights. It’s essentially a ‘Monaco-esque’ circuit in terms of aerodynamics, so we’re bringing our Monaco level of downforce and combining it with the developments from Silverstone. I know we were quick in Monaco on the straights, but with the developments, we’ve obviously improved our aerodynamic support, so I’m eager to see what we can achieve in Hungary,” said Komatsu.

“This will be a very different challenge from Silverstone because qualifying is crucial. It is very, very difficult to overtake at the Hungaroring, which puts more emphasis on qualifying. We didn’t score at Monaco… and I would like to rectify that; it’s like a second Monaco for us. I’m looking forward to it; it’s a different challenge, but we are ready.”

Nico Hülkenberg, the man of the moment, has the wind in his sails. Team morale is high, as is his own, so why not dream of another significant result?

“The Hungaroring is a fun challenge. We’ve scored good points lately, and the car seems to have improved with our latest evolution, so I’m ready to put it to the test again. We’re in a strong position right now, and everyone in the team is very motivated, so we need to capitalize on this for the last two races before the summer break,” Hülkenberg noted.

Kevin Magnussen has shown progress in recent Grands Prix, though he still trails his teammate. With the evolved Haas F1, he too could be in contention for points at the Hungaroring.

“Looking at this season, we’ve been competitive in most Grands Prix, so I’m hopeful for another competitive weekend on a circuit that demands a lot of downforce. The track is fun; it’s like a little karting track, and there’s always a good atmosphere—there are often quite a few Danish fans at this track. Between Hungary and Belgium, these are two very different circuits, one very aerodynamic—and we’ll almost have our Monaco package—at Budapest. The other circuit, Spa, requires little downforce—so we’re really going to put the VF-24 to the test,” Magnussen added.

Note that Oliver Bearman will be back in the Haas F1 car for FP1. The Briton, who will be promoted to a race seat next year, continues his intense preparation program (six free practice sessions scheduled throughout the year). Haas has yet to announce which driver will have to relinquish their car for FP1.