A Ferrari protege, Ollie Bearman, is on track to break the Formula 1 rookie drought in 2025. Bearman caught the attention of Haas and other F1 teams with his impressive performances in two FP1 sessions last year. Prior to that, he had a successful F1 test run in Ferrari colors at Fiorano, followed by a day of testing for Haas in Abu Dhabi. Recently, Bearman participated in a Pirelli tyre test at Barcelona, driving Ferrari’s 2022 car. Now, the 18-year-old has secured reserve roles with both Ferrari and Haas, joining Antonio Giovinazzi, Robert Shwartzman, and Pietro Fittipaldi.
Haas has gone above and beyond the requirements of F1’s rule mandating two FP1 appearances for rookies. Instead, they have promised Bearman six practice outings, providing him with valuable experience and preparation for a potential 2025 seat. This approach mirrors the path taken by successful F1 proteges such as Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, who had multiple FP1 sessions before making their F1 debuts.
Bearman may have a strong chance of making his F1 debut with Haas, especially considering the admiration expressed by the team’s new leader, Ayao Komatsu, for Bearman’s previous performances. With Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen’s contracts ending this year, there may be openings at Haas for the 2025 season. Magnussen’s recent struggles and Hulkenberg’s lack of financial support could potentially pave the way for Bearman to secure a seat.
However, Bearman’s path to F1 is not guaranteed. He will need to excel in his main 2024 program, Formula 2, where he races for Prema. His main competition for a 2025 F1 graduation is Mercedes protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The introduction of a new car adds further unpredictability to the series, and the playing field is never completely level in junior racing. Rookie Antonelli could pose a threat, but Bearman has the potential to follow in the footsteps of drivers like George Russell, who won the F2 title as a rookie in 2018.
If Bearman can perform well in Formula 2 and achieve solid results, he has a clear route to his F1 dream with Haas in 2025. However, nothing is certain in the world of motorsport, and Bearman will need to prove himself on the track to secure his place in the pinnacle of motorsport.
In a shocking turn of events, Lewis Hamilton, the reigning Formula 1 champion, has made the decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for the 2025 season. This bombshell move has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, as Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes is seen as a vote of no confidence in his current team.
For years, Hamilton and Mercedes seemed inseparable, with their partnership expected to continue long after his racing career. However, Hamilton’s decision to jump ship to Ferrari has left many wondering what went wrong. Some speculate that it is a selfish move on Hamilton’s part, while others argue that it should be respected.
Regardless of the reasons behind the move, there is no denying that Hamilton’s signing is a major coup for Ferrari. The Italian team has managed to secure one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, and this could have a significant impact on their performance in the upcoming seasons.
As for Mercedes, they now face the daunting task of finding a replacement for Hamilton. Will they go for another champion like Valtteri Bottas? Or will they opt for a rising star? The decision they make will have a profound effect on the team’s future success.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari has sent shockwaves through the F1 community. It is a move that deserves respect, regardless of personal opinions. Only time will tell how this decision will impact both teams and the sport as a whole.
