Oliver Bearman, a talent from the Ferrari Driver Academy and a distinguished four-time victor in the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship, is poised to make his inaugural appearance in the world of Formula 1 with the Haas F1 Team. He will commandeer the VF-23 during two first practice sessions later this year, the first scheduled for the Mexico City Grand Prix on October 27, and the second set for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 24, which will mark the end of the current Formula 1 championship.
This 18-year-old prodigy hails from Chelmsford, England and is currently in the midst of his debut season in Formula 2, representing Prema Racing. He currently holds the sixth position in the overall championship standings and boasts an impressive tally of four triumphs to his name. This includes a spectacular victory in Azerbaijan’s Sprint race, followed by a Feature win in Baku, and additional Feature victories in Spain and Italy. Furthermore, Oliver Bearman has secured three pole positions and graced the podium six times. The season is set to conclude with Round 13 in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit, coinciding with the Formula 1 season finale.
Bearman’s journey through the ranks led him to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2022 after clinching the 2021 Italian F4 Championship with a remarkable eight wins and the 2021 ADAC F4 Championship with an impressive six victories. In November 2021, he was welcomed into the esteemed Ferrari Driver Academy, joining the ranks of distinguished talents like Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher, Robert Shwartzman, and Antonio Giovinazzi. This opportunity came to fruition through the longstanding association between MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari.
In accordance with the regulations, every team participating in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is required to provide two FP1 sessions to a rookie driver, defined as a driver with no more than two Grand Prix starts. Oliver Bearman will integrate into the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, as part of his preparation for the forthcoming practice sessions.
“We’re very happy to offer Oliver Bearman these outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi,” explained Haas boss Guenther Steiner in a recent statement issued by the American team – “He’s had a stellar rookie season in Formula 2, four wins is testament to that, and as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy – we know his background preparation coming into these weekends will be first-rate. We look forward to welcoming Oliver into the team and have him drive the VF-23.” – he pointed out.
“I am so happy to be joining MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driving in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. Getting to Formula 1 has been my dream since I was go-karting so to be driving a car for the first time this year is really special. I’m grateful to the team, and of course Ferrari, for allowing me this chance. I’m working hard to make sure I’m ready to support the team as best I can on both occasions.” – Oliver Bearman added.
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