Source – The SportsRush
In light of Kevin Magnussen’s race ban for accruing the maximum 12 penalty points on his Super Licence, Ollie Bearman will replace the Dane at Haas for the forthcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
As the F1 world heads into Azerbaijan for yet another thrilling race, a fresh face will be taking the spotlight at Haas: 19-year-old Ollie Bearman. The British sensation, currently Haas’ reserve driver, is set to replace Kevin Magnussen, who received a 10-second penalty and two penalty points after a controversial clash with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly at the Italian Grand Prix. Magnussen, deemed “wholly to blame” for the incident, will sit out the Baku race, paving the way for Bearman to take his place and build on an already impressive résumé.
Bearman, who is slated for a full-time Haas seat in 2025 alongside Esteban Ocon, has been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to prove himself in an official race setting. The decision to promote Bearman for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix offers the perfect chance for Haas to prepare the young Briton ahead of his full-time F1 debut next season. With Baku’s notoriously tricky street circuit demanding skill and composure, this will be the ultimate proving ground for the rising star.
Haas’ move also allows Bearman to gain valuable experience ahead of the 2025 season, marking a significant milestone in his young career. Having already shown his potential by winning his second F2 race of the season in Monza, Bearman has demonstrated that he’s not one to be underestimated. However, his move to the Haas cockpit will see him miss out on the F2 Sprint and Feature races in Baku, a trade-off he’s willing to make as his F1 ambitions take priority.
This won’t be Bearman’s first taste of the F1 limelight. Earlier this year, he filled in for an unwell Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, delivering a stunning performance with a seventh-place finish for Ferrari. His calm under pressure and mature driving left a lasting impression, showing that despite his youth, Bearman is ready for the big stage.
“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,” Bearman said, reflecting on the upcoming challenge. “Stepping in as a reserve driver is never easy, especially with limited preparation time. But I’m fortunate to have done it earlier in the season with Scuderia Ferrari, so I’ll lean on that experience. Plus, I’ve had four FP1 sessions with Haas this year, so I feel confident that I’ll be able to adapt quickly.”
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu expressed confidence in Bearman’s abilities, noting the timing of the promotion as ideal for both driver and team. “Ollie has already shown great promise in his FP1 outings and his post-season test, and he did a fantastic job when he drove for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, scoring points in the process,” said Komatsu. “This is a valuable opportunity for Ollie to spend the entire race weekend working alongside Nico [Hulkenberg], who will be a great benchmark for him. I’m excited to see what they can achieve together in Baku.”
Bearman’s preparation for the Grand Prix has been intense. His four FP1 runs with Haas earlier this season have laid a solid foundation, and he’s eager to build on that experience as he enters the high-pressure environment of a full race weekend. Bearman’s calm demeanor and willingness to learn make him a promising prospect for the Haas team, especially as they look toward the future with Audi in 2026.
While Magnussen’s absence is a blow to the team, it’s clear that Bearman is not just a stand-in but a driver Haas sees as a key part of their long-term plans. As for Magnussen, he’s expected to return for the Singapore Grand Prix, where he’ll have a clean slate with his Super Licence, allowing him to focus on finishing what will likely be his final seven races in F1 on a high note.
Bearman’s goal for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is simple yet ambitious: to complete a solid weekend and gain as much experience as possible. With the Haas team in good form and the guidance of teammate Nico Hulkenberg, Bearman is ready to take on the challenge that awaits him on the streets of Baku. For a young driver on the cusp of a full-time F1 career, this is more than just another race—it’s the chance to prove that he’s ready to take his place among the sport’s elite.
With the eyes of the F1 world fixed on the high-stakes race in Baku, all attention will be on Bearman as he takes his first steps toward what could be a stellar Formula 1 career.
