Get ready for a thrilling twist in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend! British driver Oliver Bearman will take the wheel for Haas in both Practice sessions and the Sprint on Friday and Saturday, respectively, as Kevin Magnussen is sidelined due to illness.
Magnussen participated in Thursday’s media activities at Interlagos but unfortunately reported feeling unwell. This led to Haas opting for Bearman to take over driving duties. The young racer, just 19 years old, is already confirmed to be a full-time Haas driver alongside Esteban Ocon starting next year. This opportunity marks his second F1 race start, following his impressive debut earlier this year where he finished a commendable seventh while filling in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Bearman’s experience with Haas extends beyond this weekend’s stand-in role. He also stepped into Magnussen’s seat at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when the Dane was banned for reaching the limit on penalty points, securing a points finish in tenth place.
This young driver’s talent has not gone unnoticed. He is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and has been making waves in the motorsport world. Last weekend, he achieved his first Formula 2 victory in the Sprint event in Austria, adding to his already impressive four wins from the previous year. His racing career boasts wins in the Italian F4 Championship and the ADAC F4 Championship in 2021, followed by a stint in the Formula 3 Championship in 2022.
The decision on whether Magnussen will return for Saturday’s Qualifying session remains pending, with Haas set to provide an update in due course. In the meantime, Bearman is poised to showcase his skills on the track, further solidifying his place as a rising star in Formula 1. Don’t miss out on this exciting turn of events at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix!