Impressive Qualifying Run and Strong Sprint Prospects Make Bearman Haas’s Driver to Watch at Interlagos
Oliver Bearman has taken full advantage of his unexpected opportunity at the Brazilian Grand Prix, stepping in for an unwell Kevin Magnussen and quickly showing why Haas is excited to have him full-time in 2025. Bearman’s weekend began with a last-minute call on Friday morning after Magnussen was deemed unfit to race due to a nausea-related illness. From the get-go, Bearman exceeded expectations, outqualifying his experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg and advancing to the SQ3 top-10 shootout.
Bearman’s ability to adapt was evident in Friday’s Sprint Qualifying. Despite a small error at Turn 2 that left him 10th on the grid with a deleted lap time, Haas defended their young driver, pointing to an issue with the car’s tire temperature control box. The error limited Bearman’s potential, but the rookie showed impressive pace, especially considering he was only three-tenths behind Hulkenberg in SQ2. Haas believes Bearman could have qualified as high as sixth if his tires had reached the necessary temperature, potentially even ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell.
Bearman’s weekend in Brazil marks the third time he’s stepped up for a surprise substitute role, and each time, he’s impressed. His standout performances this season include a point-scoring debut for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and a solid drive in Azerbaijan, where he finished just ahead of Hulkenberg. In Brazil, his consistency has proven invaluable for Haas, making the team’s decision to keep him in the car through Sunday’s Grand Prix straightforward.
For Haas, Bearman’s speed and adaptability underscore why the team sees him as an asset for 2025, even before Hulkenberg’s impending move to Audi was finalized. His impressive showing in qualifying, combined with his proven ability to handle the pressure of competitive F1 races, make him one of the most promising young drivers on the grid.
Bearman’s next challenge is to capitalize on his Sprint race start and continue his 100% point-scoring record. With the pace he’s demonstrated, Bearman has a real shot at finishing in the points, further solidifying his place within the Haas team and showing that he’s not just a super-sub but a full-time talent ready for F1’s main stage.
