Bearman set to be confirmed by Haas this week? 'Not sure!'

It was not that surprising. Moments of success in F2 this year had long been extremely sparse for Bearman, who prior to the season was seen as the absolute title contender in the step-up class to Formula 1. His spectacular debut earlier this season in the top class of motorsport - as a sudden replacement for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari - further strengthened sky-high expectations.

But at the Red Bull Ring, the young Briton only managed to celebrate his first victory - even his first podium - of the season by being the best in the sprint race. Thus, it has been a year of extreme extremes for the 19-year-old: "Yes, it's been really difficult," Bearman responded to a question from GPblog. "Every time I get in the F1 car, it's been going really well. So it's been a tale of two halves."

Gaining experience with Haas

A new generation of cars was introduced in Formula 2 this season, and Bearman's Prema team struggled to fully master the quirks of this car. "We know that we're struggling a bit to fully understand this car and missing a bit of pace. We can't deny that. But it's generally been a bit of an up and down season."

Despite the inferior car, it remains remarkable how often - too often, in fact - a great talent like Bearman competed at the back of the pack in F2, but did show his talent in Formula 1 during the free practice sessions granted to him by Haas. "The FP1s are giving me a great amount of experience with the F1 car. And, I feel like whenever I get in the Haas, I'm showing my skill and I'm getting up to speed faster and getting more used to the car. So it's positive on that side, I wouldn't say it's helping my F2 season, but, it's the game. Life's a game of balancing. So I'm trying to do my best."

Bearman in action with Haas at Silverstone

At Silverstone next weekend, Bearman will get another chance to show himself when he again drives the first free practice session on behalf of Haas. In addition, the Briton will be active in both F2 races, plus qualifying and free practice. So that will be switching gears again during the weekend. "Of course, physically, F1 is a much bigger challenge, so I'm also trying to be ready for that with my neck, if it's working," laughed the youngster, clutching his neck.

"Yes, that's, of course, difficult [to jump from one car in the other]. And the mental strain is quite high. On weekends, where I'm doing F1 and F2. On my Thursdays and even Fridays, I don't really have time to have lunch or anything. I'm just running between Prema and Haas. But it's all for a good reason."

Bearman could be confirmed as Nico Hulkenberg's successor at Haas in Formula 1 for the '25 season before the British Grand Prix, indicate noises in the paddock. On that, Bearman himself said, "It's the question a lot of people want to know. I don't know. I'm not sure. (laughs)"