Haas are willing to hand Oliver Bearman a full-time F1 debut in 2025, but journalist Joe Saward says there are conditions attached.
Bearman won the driver of the day award when he stood in for an unwell Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this month.
And Saward, writing on his personal website, says this could help secure the Ferrari junior a drive for next year if they meet the terms.
Bearman had to step into the car for final practice and qualifying in Jeddah when doctors diagnosed Sainz with appendicitis.
He could only manage 11th on the grid, but then fought his way to seventh on race day to bring home six points.
Bearman has since returned to Formula 2 duties with Prema, but he’ll take part in six FP1 sessions for Haas before the end of the season.
He already had the opportunity to do so at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix last year.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu regards him as a ‘total package’ and knows both Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen are approaching the end of their contracts.
One journalist called Bearman a ‘top contender’ for a spot, while former F1 driver Anthony Davidson says he’s put the experienced duo under pressure.
Haas want engine discount in exchange for hiring Oliver Bearman
Saward says that Haas are ready to put their faith in Bearman and will likely favour Hulkenberg over Magnussen as his partner.
However, they will want a ‘discount’ on their Ferrari on power unit before they agree.
The feeling is that Bearman could succeed Lewis Hamilton at Maranello when the seven-time world champion, who will join ahead of next season, retires.
He may, however, find himself waiting another four years before that opening arises.
Saward wrote: “The word is that Haas would be happy to take Bearman, probably alongside Hulkenberg, in 2025, if Ferrari asked them nicely – and offered a suitable discount on engines.
“In any case, Bearman is definitely in the picture as Ferrari will be keen to train up a youngster to be ready to replace Lewis Hamilton when he retires.
“That might not be until 2028, but that would give Bearman time to learn F1, as Charles Leclerc once did with Sauber, back in the day.”
How is Bearman doing in F2?
While Bearman offered a glimpse of his potential in Jeddah, his performance in F2 this season could also be key to his 2025 prospects.
The 18-year-old is directly competing with Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli at the Prema team.
He’s at a disadvantage compared to his rivals because he didn’t have the chance to convert pole position in Saudi Arabia.
However, he wasn’t able to score points in Bahrain either and only managed to pick up two last time out in Australia.
That leaves him 19th in the championship with a long wait until the next round at Imola in mid-May.
Sauber youngster Zane Maloney is currently leading the way for Rodin ahead of Hitech’s Paul Aron and former Red Bull academy ace Dennis Hauger.
Antonelli, meanwhile, is ninth after putting 12 points on the board.
The post ‘The word is’: Journalist says Haas ‘happy’ to take Oliver Bearman for 2025 F1 season on one condition appeared first on F1 Oversteer.
