Bearman’s Haas Debut in Baku: A Reality Check Awaits, Says Steiner

Guenther Steiner cautions that Oliver Bearman's comeback to Formula 1, racing for Haas in Baku, will serve as a significant wake-up call.

Ex-Haas team leader Guenther Steiner has warned Oliver Bearman to prepare for a significant wake-up call upon his return to Formula 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The 19-year-old from Britain is set to fill in for Kevin Magnussen at Haas during the upcoming Baku race next weekend. This change comes after Magnussen was handed a one-race suspension for being the initial F1 driver to surpass the limit on penalty points.

Magnussen accumulated his 12th penalty point over a year due to a crash involving Alpine's Pierre Gasly at the Italian Grand Prix. As a result, the Danish driver will miss the upcoming race. Bearman, already secured by Haas for a full-time seat in 2025, is set to step in.

"Kevin performed well at Monza. He really shines and takes control when there's an opportunity to achieve something. His motivation makes him an exceptional driver," Steiner shared in an article for F1.com.

"Now he has the opportunity to take a break thanks to this race suspension! There was a strong likelihood he'd face a suspension before the year concluded since he was nearing the threshold for penalty points."

"Does he welcome the suspension? Certainly not. Was it a surprise to him? Hardly. He engaged in numerous actions early in the year, actions he possibly regrets now. The incident leading to this particular suspension wasn’t especially severe, but penalties come with consequences, including points."

Bearman has already experienced his first Formula 1 race, stepping in for Carlos Sainz after the Spanish driver was sidelined due to illness in Saudi Arabia, leading to an appendectomy.

Called up for the final practice session on Saturday, Bearman made a notable impact by securing the 11th position in the qualifiers and went on to finish in seventh place, surpassing Lewis Hamilton, to earn points during his debut in the grand prix.

Steiner cautioned Bearman that his initial race with Haas might serve as a stark awakening to their significantly distinct competitive circumstances.

"Ollie was the clear pick to substitute for him at Haas. This will definitely serve as a moment of truth," Steiner added.

Driving a Ferrari is an experience, but driving one that isn't claiming top finishes is another matter to comprehend.

"However, it's beneficial for him to start driving the car before he officially joins the team for the entire season next year. He performed admirably for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, and I'm confident he'll deliver a solid performance in Baku as well – and then in the upcoming season."

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