Haas announced the signing of Oliver Bearman on the weekend of the British Grand Prix – since then it has become certain that the American team will start the next season with a new line-up. The British youngster, who is about to make his debut in Formula 1, did not deny it at the media day of the Hungarian Grand Prix on Thursday, it gives him reassurance that his future has been clarified.
“Now I can focus solely on my year without any questions in the background about my next season, which feels good” – he declared at a round table discussion held in Haas’ motorhome. “My attitude is still pretty much the same, which is to try to build the season step by step.”
Haas has not yet revealed the identity of Bearman’s teammate, but most indications are that Esteban Ocon, who left Alpine, will replace Kevin Magnussen. In connection with the Drive asked the 19-year-old Ferrari academician whether he expected support from his future teammate, or even that he would be his mentor.
A newcomer will definitely be on next year’s starting grid: Haas confirmed the signing of Oliver Bearman during the British Grand Prix weekend. (Photo: Getty Images)
“I hope I can count on something like that” Bearman replied. “I understand that, of course, this will not be his task, but I will be able to learn a lot by watching his movements and his leadership. That will be the most important thing, as well as listening to your feedback and your comments about the car, like what they like about the car.”
“That’s how he can help me the most, but at the same time his primary job will be to compete for himself. He won’t have anything to do with me, but it’s obvious that I’ll learn a lot from him.” explained the F2 driver.
More attention was paid to Bearman after he replaced Carlos Sainz, who had undergone appendicitis surgery, at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the beginning of the year: he finished the only F1 race of his career so far in 7th place, starting from 11th on the starting grid. Since then, he has been able to drive the Haas car in several free practice sessions, and he will next have the opportunity to do so at the Hungaroring, in the first practice session on Friday.
Source: www.vezess.hu
