Haas F1: Bearman's Return, Hülkenberg Debuts at Imola

Haas F1 readies for the Emilia-Romagna GP, highlighting Bearman’s return and Hülkenberg’s first race at Imola.

Haas F1 will field three drivers this weekend in Imola, with Oliver Bearman participating in FP1. The team’s reserve driver, also a front-runner for a full-time seat next year, will take the wheel of a Formula 1 car in an official session for the first time since his stint with Ferrari in Jeddah.

“I’m really looking forward to rejoining the team and taking part in the first practice session at Imola. The team is having an excellent season, and I hope that with the additional experience I’ve gained since our last collaboration, I will be able to help continue the momentum,” Bearman stated.

Nico Hülkenberg notes that this will be his first time competing in a race at Imola, as he was no longer a full-time driver when the track was reintroduced to the calendar, and the race was canceled last year when he returned to Formula 1.

“It may only be the seventh race, but it feels like we’re right in the middle of the season, and coming back to Europe is nice. I’ve never raced at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, and I’m looking forward to ticking this circuit off my list, as it has been a lot of fun in the simulator,” the German states.

A “First Opportunity” to Test Upgrades

Kevin Magnussen enjoys the Emilia-Romagna circuit and is pleased to return after a year’s absence: “It’s a fantastic circuit, one of those I used to watch as a kid and always wanted to race on, so it’s great that it’s back on the calendar.”

“It was a good weekend the last time we were there; I scored a point in the Sprint in 2022. The circuit is quite challenging for overtaking, not impossible, but difficult, so it will be more about qualifying than at traditional circuits.”

With upgrades introduced in Miami during a Sprint format, Haas will have more opportunities for testing: “This will be the first good chance we have to collect aerodynamic data on the car we are currently using, which will be very beneficial and a great experience.”

“Some memories are sadder than others, with the accidents of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, but they are nonetheless significant, and driving a Formula 1 car in Italy is always special.”