Oliver Bearman has admitted that Nico Hulkenberg’s impending exit from Haas is a chance to graduate to Formula 1 in 2025, but he doesn’t feel “entitled” to the drive.
The announcement earlier this month that Hulkenberg will depart to Sauber ahead of its transition to Audi has opened up a guaranteed position at Haas next season.
Bearman is viewed as the leading option to replace the experienced German, with the Ferrari prospect having conducted two practice outings with the team last term.
The Briton, 19, is scheduled to make six FP1 appearances with the American outfit this campaign, beginning with this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
Bearman bolstered his F1 chances when he deputised for the unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and placed seventh, despite receiving one hour’s practice.
But Bearman has denied such exploits have ensured he’s reserved a permanent spot in F1, citing that he has to continue delivering on the opportunities that lie ahead.
Asked whether he saw Hulkenberg’s decision as an opening for him, Bearman replied: “Yes, of course, I see it as my chance.
“But just because there is a seat free doesn’t mean I’m entitled to it, I still have to go out there and earn it through good performances in F2.
“But even more so the six FPs that I’m doing, I have to perform well and show that I’m ready to win the F1 [seat].”
Bearman has accrued two points in his sophomore Formula 2 season and his title ambitions took a hit in Jeddah when his F1 call-up prevented him lining up on pole.
But while Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has stressed he will be assessed more on his F1 showings, Bearman has insisted he’s not given up hope on the F2 championship.
“Of course, I’ve been set back in F2,” he admitted. “But everything is possible first of all now we’re in the European season where we know the tracks.
“We have understood the car a bit better so I don’t see any reason we can’t fight for the championship in F2 and I’m really motivated to do so.
“But these six FPs are of course six great opportunities to prove my talent and what I can do.
“I don’t place any more weight on them than I do on the F2 because you need to show that you can compete and race well. F1 is not just about doing the fastest laps so 50-50.”
Pressed on whether Komatsu had named specific goals regarding a 2025 drive, Bearman revealed that he isn’t working to expectations from either Haas or Ferrari.
“I haven’t been set any goals, no, I think the pressure is mainly coming from myself because I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself
“But I just want to keep learning, keep improving, like I said every time I drive the F1 car I’m always increasing my experience.
“I still haven’t done many laps in F1 compared to the other guys so I just want to keep improving and maximise my potential.”
Bearman is poised to make a second appearance in an F1 grand prix this season, with Kevin Magnussen two penalty points from a race ban after his antics in Miami.
“I’m going to be in Canada as a reserve for Ferrari but I’m also a reserve for Haas when I’m a reserve for Ferrari so of course I’m ready,” Bearman said.
“I showed in Saudi that I’m ready so if I get the call I’ll happily jump in.
“Of course, it’s never the way you want to do a race if something like that happens but if it is the case, if it does happen then I’ll happily oblige.”
