Haas facing Bearman quandary as Ocon plan emerges
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu is facing a looming decision over who will
replace Ollie Bearman given he is now ineligible for the
post-season Abu Dhabi test. Bearman, who will become a full-time
Haas driver next season, was set to take part in the traditional
post-season rookie outing at the Yas Marina Circuit. The
19-year-old, however, finds himself barred as he no longer
qualifies. To count as a rookie, including for FP1 sessions, a
driver must have not taken part in more than two grands prix.
Bearman has competed in three, making his debut for the injured
Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia for Ferrari; deputising for a banned
Kevin Magnussen in Azerbaijan, and again for the Dane who was ill
over the São Paulo GP weekend. It means he will be unable to take
part for Haas in the post-session test. Komatsu has confirmed that
his 2025 team-mate Esteban Ocon will do so as the senior driver.
It does not mean Bearman will not take part in the test, as he
could do so for Ferrari as the ‘senior’ driver if a rookie is
paired with him. Lewis Hamilton will not be allowed to drive for
his new team as he will complete sponsor work for Mercedes before
his contract expires on December 31. Haas could put Pietro
Fittipaldi in as its designated rookie, with the Brazilian
competing in two races in 2020 as the replacement for Romain
Grosjean following his fiery Bahrain accident. At least outlining
the benefits of Ocon getting behind the wheel, speaking to media
including RacingNews365 , Komatsu said: “It will be the first time
Esteban drives our car, which is important because the regulations
are stable . “Next year’s car is an evolution of this year’s car,
so it is good he tests this car before January to see the strengths
and weaknesses and have input that we can still work on in
development.”
replace Ollie Bearman given he is now ineligible for the
post-season Abu Dhabi test. Bearman, who will become a full-time
Haas driver next season, was set to take part in the traditional
post-season rookie outing at the Yas Marina Circuit. The
19-year-old, however, finds himself barred as he no longer
qualifies. To count as a rookie, including for FP1 sessions, a
driver must have not taken part in more than two grands prix.
Bearman has competed in three, making his debut for the injured
Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia for Ferrari; deputising for a banned
Kevin Magnussen in Azerbaijan, and again for the Dane who was ill
over the São Paulo GP weekend. It means he will be unable to take
part for Haas in the post-session test. Komatsu has confirmed that
his 2025 team-mate Esteban Ocon will do so as the senior driver.
It does not mean Bearman will not take part in the test, as he
could do so for Ferrari as the ‘senior’ driver if a rookie is
paired with him. Lewis Hamilton will not be allowed to drive for
his new team as he will complete sponsor work for Mercedes before
his contract expires on December 31. Haas could put Pietro
Fittipaldi in as its designated rookie, with the Brazilian
competing in two races in 2020 as the replacement for Romain
Grosjean following his fiery Bahrain accident. At least outlining
the benefits of Ocon getting behind the wheel, speaking to media
including RacingNews365 , Komatsu said: “It will be the first time
Esteban drives our car, which is important because the regulations
are stable . “Next year’s car is an evolution of this year’s car,
so it is good he tests this car before January to see the strengths
and weaknesses and have input that we can still work on in
development.”
Jake Nichol
Go to seatrade maritime