Haas wanted to keep Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season, but he’s joining a direct rival instead. The F1 veteran has agreed to return to Sauber ahead of their transition to Audi in 2026.
This comes as a blow to team principal Ayao Komatsu, who ‘gave everything’ to persuade him to sign a new deal. That’s no surprise given that Hulkenberg has scored 13 of the team’s 17 points since the start of last season.
It was ‘fantastic news’ for Oliver Bearman, however. Bearman, who made his F1 debut for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Carlos Sainz had to withdraw, will drive in six FP1 sessions for the American outfit this year.
The Formula 2 star now looks like an ‘inevitable’ signing for Haas. In fact, the real question marks may not surround Bearman, but the incumbent Kevin Magnussen.
Magnussen has yet to convince Komatsu that he merits a new contract on the expiry of his current deal later this year. He’s currently on the verge of a race ban after doubling his tally of penalty points to 10 in Miami.
Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr has argued that Magnussen simply has to go for 2025. Haas have already begun assessing possible replacements.
Haas rule out Jack Doohan and Zane Maloney for 2025
According to Formula Passion, Komatsu has decided that he doesn’t want two rookies in the car next year. He’d prefer a more experienced hand alongside Bearman.
As such, he’s ruled out three of the most ‘promising youngsters’ in and around F1 at the moment. Jack Doohan, Zane Maloney and Zak O’Sullivan will all have to look elsewhere for a seat next year.
Doohan is currently the reserve driver at Alpine, while Sauber junior Zane Maloney is leading the championship in F2 after two wins from the first six races. O’Sullivan, who’s on Williams’ books, is embarking on his first year in the series.
As it stands, Zhou Guanyu is reportedly the ‘favourite’ to replace Magnussen instead. But Haas also believe his teammate Valtteri Bottas could be the ideal teammate for Bearman.
Jack Doohan in contention for Alpine drive if Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly leave
Doohan has previously impressed in F2, finishing third in last year’s standings. Theo Pourchaire edged out Frederick Vesti for the title, but the Australian wasn’t too far behind.
Alpine persuaded him not to race in any other series this year so he could fully devote himself to his reserve driver role. He’ll hope that commitment pays off in the form of an offer for 2025.
The door might just be open for the 21-year-old. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have both apparently grown unhappy at the Enstone team, who have only scored one point this season.
They’re exploring opportunities elsewhere, and Doohan will be a leading contender if one of them leaves. Alpine are keen to showcase the talent in their driver academy.
Described as a ‘complete’ driver by his former F2 boss Andy Roche in an interview with Formula Scout, he could be the second rookie on the 2025 grid alongside Bearman. He admitted after the race in Saudi Arabia that he was ‘jealous’ of the teenager, but his chance may soon come.
The post Report: Ayao Komatsu has now ruled 'complete' driver out of the running for 2025 Haas seat appeared first on F1 Oversteer.