Ferrari hand young star F1 debut before he replaces driver

Sam Cook
Thursday 12 October 2023 00:12

Ferrari driver academy member Ollie Bearman has been given his first run-out in a Formula 1 car, ahead of his debut in the sport later this season.

The 18-year-old British driver has impressed in his rookie season in F2 with PREMA Racing, holding sixth position in the championship and securing four victories.

Earlier this month, it was announced that he will take part in FP1 at the Mexico Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi GP right at the end of the season, replacing one of the Haas drivers.

He will step in the car as part of F1 regulations that make it mandatory for teams to allocate two FP1 sessions to a rookie driver who has no more than two race starts.

Now, Ferrari have given him his first taste of action, allowing him to get to grips with a modern F1 car.

A very special day as @OllieBearman heads out for his first laps in an @f1 car! 👊 #FDA #F1 pic.twitter.com/ouR90dcTIg

— Ferrari Driver Academy (@insideFDA) October 11, 2023

Bearman a star of the future?

With Haas' driver lineup looking like a particularly short-term pairing with the vastly experienced Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg in the seats until the end of 2024, it's likely that the team will be looking for more youth to secure their long-term future.

Haas have a particularly strong relationship with Ferrari, and have been used before to try out young drivers, before they get a chance at the top team.

Charles Leclerc, Anotnio Giovinazzi and, of course, Mick Schumacher all were given opportunities with Haas to prove their worth in F1.

Guenther Steiner is particularly excited about Bearman being a part of his team later in the season.

“We’re very happy to offer Oliver Bearman these outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi,” he told the team's official website.

“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.”

READ MORE: Who is Guenther Steiner? Haas chief and ‘Drive to Survive’ sensation