In recent weeks, a major shift has struck the Gene Haas team. After Simone Resta‘s departure, there’s also been a parting of ways with Gunther Steiner, leading to some controversies. Now, Haas needs to revamp its image and is reportedly already contemplating the driver duo for 2025: Oliver “Ollie” Bearman and Guanyu Zhou.
The hypothesis was put forward by Formula 1 expert Scott Mitchell-Malm during a podcast for The Race. The renowned journalist suggests that the Chinese driver might soon be released by the Sauber team, especially considering the anticipated arrival of Audi in 2026 with the regulation changes.
The possibility that Audi might need more prominent names could prompt Sauber to replace the Chinese driver as early as 2025. In that case, Guanyu Zhou would be free to join Haas. Nico Hulkenberg, in turn, might vacate his seat at the American team to enter Audi’s orbit.
Both the German and Kevin Magnussen are out of contract at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 championship, and while contract renewals are reportedly in the works, a final agreement might still be a long way off. Therefore, if both drivers were to depart, Gene Haas and the new team principal Ayao Komatsu would already have contingencies in place with new drivers.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
Another appealing idea would be to enlist Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman, who already drove for Haas in the 2023 Formula 1 campaign during two free practice sessions (Mexico and Abu Dhabi). The young talent from the Ferrari Driver Academy will still be engaged in Formula 2 with Prema in 2024 and is sure to feature prominently in a tight battle with his new teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
In summary, although the 2024 season has yet to begin, early considerations for 2025 have already surfaced, awaiting the significant changes expected in the paddock in 2026.
Source: f1ingenerale
Leave a Reply