Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League
In the last weekend, Ollie Bearman participated in his fourth training session with the Haas VF-24. He had an exceptional performance, impressing the team and solidifying his position as a potential Formula 1 driver for 2025. Despite being slightly behind Kevin Magnussen in his first races, Bearman reduced the gap to two tenths by the end of the session. This consistent performance in training has caught the attention of Haas, Ferrari, and the Formula 1 community in general. However, Bearman’s success in Formula 2 is still a cause for concern.
After leaving the VF-24 and returning to his Prema Dallara F2 2024 in Barcelona, Bearman faced difficulties. He had a poor qualifying session, followed by disappointing performances in the first and second races. This F2 weekend was a stark contrast to his impressive auditions in F1. It also highlighted the division between the top performers in the F2 transition year and the drivers that F1 truly believes in. Despite this, Bearman’s potential move to Haas, replacing Nico Hulkenberg, is widely considered a done deal.
Bearman dismissed rumors that his contract was finalized, stating that they were mere speculations. He prefers to focus on his performance and avoid distractions. However, it is clear that Haas values his work in the training sessions more than his results in F2 when considering their decision for 2025. Although Bearman still needs to perform well in F2, his collaboration with Haas carries significant weight.
Komatsu, team boss, emphasized the importance of Bearman’s approach and understanding of the big picture. He praised Bearman’s maturity and his ability to balance speed with strategic thinking. However, the difficulties in F2 may raise concerns for Haas and Ferrari. If the contract has not yet been signed, Bearman’s performance in F2 may make them hesitate. Similarly, if the contract is already finalized, his difficulties may lead to regrets.
Bearman’s F2 weekend in Barcelona was challenging, marked by balance issues and tire wear. His team, Prema, also faced difficulties on the track, failing to score any podiums. Although Prema has excelled in other categories, the introduction of a new car in F2 has presented challenges. The current championship leaders were not the best performers last year, and title contenders, including Bearman, have struggled to make an impact.
Bearman believes that the driving style of F1 aligns more naturally with his abilities. He considers it intuitive and gets more lap time when he pushes harder. In contrast, F2 requires a more cautious approach, making it harder for Bearman to extract maximum performance. Despite his solid debut season in F2, it did not match his exceptional performance in Formula 3. The driving styles and demands of the two series differ significantly, making the transition challenging for Bearman.
Barcelona was not a true representation of Bearman’s 2024 season. He faced several setbacks, including missed opportunities due to F1 commitments and technical issues. There were glimpses of his true potential, but the underwhelming performance in Barcelona cannot be ignored. Bearman needs to find a way to stand out in F2 and consistently prove himself.
The question remains whether Bearman’s difficulties in F2 will affect his future in F1. While a poor season can sometimes hinder a driver’s career, Bearman’s previous achievements and potential make him a valuable prospect. The decision to promote him to F1 would not only reflect his abilities, but also the credibility of F2 as a proving ground for future drivers. The performances of other F2 drivers, such as Paul Aron and Isack Hadjar, cannot be dismissed, and their credentials in F1 should be taken seriously.
In the end, F1 teams and fans should remember that the value of a driver is not determined solely by their last race. The driver market is complex, and decisions must be made based on a combination of factors, including past performances, potential, and the unique circumstances of each driver’s journey.
© 2024
The world of sports is filled with excitement and fierce competition. And in this year of 2024, it was no different. Athletes showcased their talent and dedication in various sports disciplines. Football, in particular, was the stage for great games and unforgettable moments.
One of the great stories of this year was the Brazilian national team’s victory in the World Cup. With a team full of stars, the players displayed captivating and efficient football, winning the hearts of fans. The final against the Argentine national team was thrilling, with Brazil winning 3-2, securing their sixth championship.
No basketball, the United States team stood out once again. With talented players and impeccable strategy, they dominated the competition and won the gold medal at the Olympics. Brazil also did well, reaching the final and securing the silver medal.
Another sport that caught attention was tennis. With great names like Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, the courts were the stage for exciting games and fierce competitions. Nadal won the Roland Garros title once again, while Williams shone at the Australian Open.
In motorsport, Lewis Hamilton showed once again why he is considered one of the greatest drivers of all time. With his skill and determination, he won the Formula 1 World Championship, leaving his opponents behind.
In addition to these sports, the sports world was also marked by other inspiring stories. Athletes surpassing limits, breaking records, and showing that sports is much more than just a competition. It is a form of overcoming and unity.
The year 2024 was full of emotions for sports lovers. And may there be more achievements and unforgettable moments in the coming years. Sports have the ability to unite people and move millions around the world. And that’s what makes it so special.
