Nico Hülkenberg’s successor has been found: Oliver Bearman has signed a multi-year contract with Haas and, after his guest start at Ferrari in March, will make his debut as a regular driver in Formula 1 next year. Rumors about the Ferrari junior’s promotion to the premier class have been circulating for a long time.
Accordingly, Thursday’s announcement came as no surprise – including for current Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, who has not yet secured a cockpit for 2025. “I’ve known about it for about four months,” Magnussen revealed on Thursday in Silverstone. “It hadn’t been decided for four months, but I knew it was going to happen. So it wasn’t news to me.”
Magnussen: Bearman’s Formula 1 debut easier than mine
With regard to Bearman’s Formula 1 debut, Magnussen expects an easier task for the Briton than he found in 2014 at his debut in the premier class. Magnussen completed his rookie season at McLaren, when the traditional team from Woking was already on the decline after decades as a top team.
“When I came to Formula 1, it was really difficult,” said Magnussen. “With the expectations, it’s hard to come to a top team that doesn’t deliver. Because then the expectations from the team are so high, they really expect you to get there and win the championship.” In contrast, a debut with a smaller team like Haas is easier, believes Magnussen: “I can’t say for sure, but I think it would certainly have been easier for me. It’s not a bad path.”
Will Haas extend Magnussen’s contract? The wait for Carlos Sainz continues
Unlike Bearman, Kevin Magnussen’s Formula 1 future is still unclear. It is expected that Haas will use a more experienced driver in the second cockpit after Bearman’s confirmation, but a contract extension with Magnussen is by no means a given. Esteban Ocon, who is leaving Alpine, has recently been repeatedly linked with the US team.
As with so many seats on the Formula 1 grid, the decision about the second Haas cockpit will also depend on the future of Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard, who is being vying for by various teams in the second half of the Formula 1 table, has still not decided on a team. “He is the one who has to make a decision, so the rest of the guys who are available will be first in line,” Magnussen confirmed again in Silverstone.
Magnussen on F1 driver market: I’m pretty relaxed
If Haas ultimately decides against Magnussen, it seems likely that the Dane will end his Formula 1 career – especially since Magnussen has openly admitted in recent weeks that he would be interested in other racing series. The 31-year-old also mentioned the enormous pressures caused by the racing calendar.
“I have been in the paddock for twelve years and ten of those years, with breaks, in the racing cockpit. I have also had some experiences outside of that which have been great. I am pretty relaxed about what will happen,” Magnussen did not give the impression in Great Britain that he wanted to stay in Formula 1 at all costs.
“I know life will be good, even though these cars are impressive to drive,” continued the 174-time GP starter. “Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, but there is also a great life outside of Formula 1.”
Haas update in Silverstone: Magnussen dampens expectations
Nevertheless, Magnussen asserted that his focus is still on Formula 1 at the moment. Results on the track could undoubtedly help him in the fight for a cockpit for 2025. Most recently in Spielberg, Haas scored its first points since the Miami GP in early May, although Magnussen once again had to admit defeat to Nico Hülkenberg.
In addition, Silverstone will host the long-awaited Haas update. In this regard, however, Magnussen dampened expectations in advance: “There are some parts, but it’s not like you’re expecting a massive step. But it’s aimed at some things, especially high-speed performance. And this (Silverstone; ed.) is a good track to get some high-speed performance.”