Haas Chief Sets Sights On Olli Bearman As 2025 Seat Still Empty

In a defining move for its future lineup, Haas Formula 1 Team, under the new stewardship of Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, is actively evaluating various candidates for the 2025 season. One of the standout prospects is Ollie Bearman, a young and promising talent from Ferrari’s Driver Academy. Despite Bearman’s limited experience in Formula 1 races, Komatsu’s stance is clear: “The fact that Ollie is a rookie is not a problem.”

This potential recruitment reflects a shift in strategy for Haas, which has been making significant strides this season. With improved vehicle performance and strategic team developments, Haas is positioning itself as a serious contender in the Formula One championship races, drawing closer scrutiny from fans and competitors alike.

Bearman’s consideration is a testament to Haas’s commitment to nurturing new talent, indicative of a broader trend within the sport towards investing in young drivers capable of shaking up the established order. Bearman’s potential addition comes at a critical time, as veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg prepares to depart for Audi/Sauber, which puts an additional spotlight on the remaining driver, Kevin Magnussen.

Komatsu expressed high praises for Bearman, emphasizing his performance during practice sessions, as quoted by Formu1a.uno. “His performance in FP1 with us will be more important than the championship in F2,” he remarked. Aside from Bearman, Haas is also considering other candidates like Esteban Ocon from Alpine, though the dynamic within Alpine remains complex. But what does Komatsu want from his next driver?

“A fast driver, capable of giving clear feedback and contributing to the development of the car, but also of the team,” he says.

The technical partnership with Ferrari plays a crucial role in this strategy, providing Haas not only with top-tier engineering support but also access to promising drivers like Bearman who are already familiar with Ferrari’s technology and standards.

Looking ahead, Haas will continue to evaluate its team performance closely, integrating new strategies aligned with the skills and strengths of its potential new drivers. The team is set to focus heavily on driver performance reviews and car development tweaks in preparation for the incoming shifts in their lineup, with the Japanese engineer-turned-team principal able to optimize the communications between driver and engineer.

Komatsu’s foray into the intricacies of F1’s volatile driver market and contract negotiations also remains a significant narrative. “The driver rank and negotiating contracts is something I’m learning very quickly. I hope to do the best I can,” he commented, after being thrown into the role of team chief at the beginning of the season.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Haas and its final decisions regarding its driver lineup. These choices will undoubtedly shape the team’s future trajectory in F1, setting the stage for what could be a transformative era under Komatsu’s leadership.