Oliver Bearman Faces ‘Reality Check’ in Haas Return at Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Warns Guenther Steiner

Guenther Steiner has cautioned that Oliver Bearman's comeback to Formula 1 with Haas in Baku will serve as a "reality check".

Ex-Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has advised Oliver Bearman to prepare for a "reality check" upon his return to Formula 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

A 19-year-old British driver is set to take Kevin Magnussen's spot at Haas for the upcoming race in Baku next weekend. Magnussen received a one-race suspension for becoming the first Formula 1 driver to surpass the penalty-point threshold.

Magnussen accumulated his 12th penalty point over the past year during the Italian Grand Prix due to an incident involving Alpine's Pierre Gasly. As a result, the Danish driver will miss the upcoming race, giving Bearman, who has secured a full-time position with Haas for 2025, an opportunity to participate.

"Kevin performed excellently at Monza. He excels behind the wheel when there's a chance to earn points. His motivation turns him into an outstanding driver," Steiner noted in an article for F1.com.

"He's now enjoying some time off due to this race suspension! It was very likely that he would face a ban before the year concluded, as he was nearing the maximum penalty points."

"Does he feel good about the suspension? No. Was he caught off guard by it? No. He made numerous mistakes earlier this year that he probably should have avoided. Although this particular incident wasn't very serious, penalties come with consequences, including points."

Bearman has already had his first experience in Formula 1, stepping in for Carlos Sainz after the Spanish driver got sick in Saudi Arabia and had to have his appendix taken out.

Even though Bearman was only brought in for the last practice on Saturday, he made a strong impression by qualifying in 11th place and finishing seventh, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, managing to earn points in his debut grand prix.

However, Steiner has cautioned Bearman to be prepared for a "wake-up call" when he competes in his debut race for Haas, considering the stark contrast in their competitive circumstances.

"Ollie was the clear candidate to fill in for him at Haas. This will also serve as a wake-up call," Steiner added.

"Driving a Ferrari is one thing, but driving one that isn't winning races is a whole different experience."

"It's beneficial for him to familiarize himself with the car before he officially joins the team next year. He performed excellently for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, and I'm confident he'll do well in Baku, as well as in the upcoming season."

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