Haas boss insists 'special' driver deserves big F1 chance

Ayao Komatsu speaks to the media — Photo: © IMAGO

Haas

Haas boss insists 'special' driver deserves big F1 chance

F1 team principal discusses the chance of Ollie Bearman being on the F1 grid.

Originally written by GPFans Staff. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 13 March 2024 17:00

Haas team principal, Ayao Komatsu, has put the pressure on his drivers after admitting Oliver Bearman deserves a chance to compete in F1.

The British superstar made his debut at the Saudi Arabian GP last weekend, placing P7, after holding off Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton until the last lap.

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Bearman, who races with Prema in F2, is also reserve driver for Haas, and has driven for the American team in recent time fuelling speculation that he could drive for the team in the future. After Kevin Magnussen’s swarm of penalties in Saudi Arabia, people are speculating whether the youngster may replace him at Haas.

Lewis Hamilton embraces Ollie Bearman at Saudi Arabia GP

Ollie Bearman at the Saudi Arabia GP 2024

Komatsu has his say on Bearman’s future

The Haas team principal has demonstrated his support for Bearman, but played down the rumours he could replace Kevin Magnussen.

"He deserves a chance next year, I guess," Komatsu said in an interview with Motorsport.com.

“Based on today's performance, it's Nico and Kevin."

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu at the Bahrain GP

Komatsu also explained how the 18 year-old's performance in Saudi did not come as a surprise to him.

"Of course, we ran him in Mexico FP1 and Abu Dhabi and straight away it was totally clear to me and most of us that he is something special.”

"It's not just the speed. It's the total package and he understands the objectives, he handled himself very well. Even during a run, he's able to sort of absorb the information from the previous lap and then make minor adjustments to make the next step better. "He just showed maturity straight away as if he's been doing it for some years."

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