F1 News
This Ferrari driver will NOT get an F1 opportunity, team reveals
- Cas van de Kleut
Oliver Bearman took part in his third Formula 1 race in Brazil. The Brit has been used by both Ferrari and Haas in practice sessions to acclimatise him to Formula 1. Although, now, he no longer qualifies as a rookie after three Grand Prix starts. The 2025 Haas driver can no longer be used as a 'rookie' during free practice or the Young Driver Test. According to Italian media, Ferrari factory driver Antonio Fuoco would drive in FP1 in Abu Dhabi on behalf of Ferrari instead. Ferrari tells GPBlog that another driver will instead be in the seat.
Every year, all 10 Formula 1 teams are required to put a rookie in the car during two free practice one sessions. A 'rookie' must not have driven in more than two Formula 1 races in his career. If he has, he'll lose his rookie status.
Ferrari and the Briton's future team, Haas, have to look for another driver to fulfil these duties. According to rumours from the Italian press, Fuoco would be Bearman's replacement at Ferrari. The Italian had previously competed on behalf of Ferrari during the post-season test. He also achieved success with Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship. The Italian managed to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024 and finished second with Ferrari's hypercar in the championship.
Fuoco will not be Bearman's replacement in Abu Dhabi:
Ferrari has now informed GPblog that Fuoco will not be driving in the first free practice session in Abu Dhabi. The Scuderia is yet to announce who will be in action during the final weekend of the season.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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