Haas F1's dilemma: This is who Bearman faces competition from

With Nico Hulkenberg's announcement to swap Haas F1 for Sauber/Audi after this season, another fast driver has disappeared from the market. Just as Hulkenberg's transfer wasn't really a surprise, it also won't be with who is replacing him at Haas. Indeed, Oliver Bearman looks primed for the seat, but is Haas wise to contract the young talent from the Ferrari Academy?

It was a hero's role Bearman fulfilled: while the Briton was preparing for the sprint race in Formula 2, he got the call from Ferrari to replace the ailing Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. Without any significant preparation, the 18-year-old stepped in, only to drive to a well-deserved seventh place in the Grand Prix. Bearman even finished ahead of his compatriot Lewis Hamilton.

Bearman the new F1 hype

A new hype was born. The finish flag had barely dropped before there was already talk of a permanent seat for Bearman at Haas in 2025. Now that Hulkenberg has announced his retirement from the American team, the door to Formula 1 lies open for Bearman. Yet as simple as things were earlier this season, things have become complicated.

Haas has already managed to pick up five points this season; a handsome achievement given the competitiveness of the teams in the midfield. This season's Haas is nowhere near as bad as last year's VF-23, but the VF-24 also isn't highly competitive. It is nevertheless achieving success due to Hulkenberg's classy drives. The German does not do anything brash, drives carefully, and quickly and scores points for the team. 

With Bearman, Haas brings in mistakes 

Should Haas opt for a rookie in '25, damage and mistakes - and thus lost points - will come as a logical consequence. That's just the way it is in Formula 1, as rookies learn from their mistakes. It presents Haas with a dilemma: Of course, it is attractive to give a young talent like Bearman a chance. The youngster provides a sense of freshness which Haas doesn't have. On the other hand, Bearman brings the necessary uncertainty of a young driver. Also, Bearman ahs had a tough start to his F2 season, and the title is something he won't be thinking about anymore. 

Adding to this, Kevin Magnussen cannot match Hulkenberg's form this season either, which makes it extra important for Haas to have a solid points scorer - and preferably two - in the team. As much as the Formula 1 world undoubtedly wishes to see Bearman in F1, Haas might just be wiser to put a driver with a bit more experience, like Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly, in the vacant seat.