{"id":24269,"date":"2024-09-09T02:00:23","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T06:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=24269"},"modified":"2024-09-08T17:10:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-08T21:10:01","slug":"why-baku-will-be-oliver-bearmans-first-litmus-test-in-f1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/09\/09\/why-baku-will-be-oliver-bearmans-first-litmus-test-in-f1\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Baku Will Be Oliver Bearman&#8217;s First Litmus Test In F1"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Baku will be Bearman&#8217;s first real F1 test for Haas<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/05\/18\/f2-driver-ollie-bearman-thinks-prema-will-surprise-everyone-soon\/\" target=\"_self\">Ollie Bearman<\/a> will be stepping in to drive for Haas at F1&#8217;s next outing in Baku. Bearman replaces the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/09\/01\/f1-news-kevin-magnussen-receives-race-ban\/\" target=\"_self\">banned Kevin Magnussen<\/a>, who accumulated 12 penalty points on his licence. In the Danish racer&#8217;s case, such an instance automatically triggers a one-race ban. As a result, Magnussen will not be out on track in Baku. He will return in Singapore for the following weekend&#8217;s action. Bearman will take over his Haas drive for F1&#8217;s 17th round at Baku.<\/p>\n<p>Bearman is the American team&#8217;s reserve driver and knows the feeling of stepping into an F1 car at short notice. After all, he <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/03\/10\/ollie-bearman-ferrari-saudi-arabia-formula-1\/\" target=\"_self\">stepped in for the appendicitis-induced Carlos Sainz<\/a> at Jeddah for Ferrari. The British youngster delivered for the team in red, finishing seventh, ahead of experienced contenders Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.<\/p>\n<p>His quick adaptability around a fast street track received plaudits and praise from all corners. Now, Bearman faces another challenge, racing around the narrow confines of the Baku streets, in a real-life audition for next year.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>The form guide for Haas and Bearman heading into F1&#8217;s next outing at Baku<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Aside from his reserve driver duties for Haas, Bearman races in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2023\/09\/23\/youngest-formula-2-race-winners\/\" target=\"_self\">Formula 2<\/a>. The 19-year-old drives for Italian feeder series giant Prema Racing, alongside <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/08\/31\/kimi-antonelli-confirmed-as-mercedes-driver-for-2025\/\" target=\"_self\">Mercedes-bound Kimi Antonelli<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Bearman&#8217;s form has risen and fallen in Formula 2 this year. After a strong rookie season that saw him finish sixth, the Prema racer&#8217;s form has nosedived this year.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"4gD5QrVpRF5Yka78AGcowA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2169604923\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'4gD5QrVpRF5Yka78AGcowA',sig:'McPLlVNeWMZhqkWHw_dBZEJF0FFBiiKKv8PlDWVJC98=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2169604923',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Transitioning between F1 and F2 is never easy, due to the varying characteristics of both machines. Yet, Bearman has fared decently as the season has flown along. Victories in the Austrian and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.formula1.com\/en\/latest\/article\/f2-bearman-dominates-to-take-victory-in-monza-sprint-race.4S4XO5wi9tKm7QIWuNyCle\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Monza sprints<\/a> showed he still has the skill. Fourth at Monaco earlier this year, after a stellar battle with Antonelli highlighted his racecraft. He also finished seventh in the feature race at Monza, battling teammate Antonelli.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"3dA1FY5qTHtRPBz1-yFe7w\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2169388158\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'3dA1FY5qTHtRPBz1-yFe7w',sig:'gWUbPxKArLUVepO2iO6DDUDClAkucXG1KzK6uufGs3Q=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2169388158',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>In the meantime, Haas scored a point in F1&#8217;s most recent outing at Monza. Magnussen&#8217;s excellent final stint ensured the team left Italy with a point, the Dane finishing tenth. This was the team&#8217;s first point since Nico Hulkenberg&#8217;s twin sixth places at Austria and Silverstone, and Magnussen&#8217;s eighth at Austria.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Why this opportunity plays into Bearman and Haas&#8217; hands in 2024<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Bearman has been swapping Formula 2 and Formula One machinery in 2024. Apart from being a super-sub for Sainz in Jeddah, he has done several FP1 sessions for Haas. Bearman took part in FP1 at Imola and Spain, apart from practice sessions at Silverstone and Hungary.<\/p>\n<p>These were part of Haas&#8217; extensive six FP1 training programmes all year. Additionally, Haas will also be looking to give Bearman a shot at the young drivers&#8217; test in Abu Dhabi after the season ends.<\/p>\n<p>The opportunity for Bearman to step in at Baku provides him the chance to experience a full Formula One weekend. At Jeddah, he would only do one practice session around a fearsome circuit, ahead of qualifying.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"NOuYo_r8TrVgi7-IdGu_hg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2071524751\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'NOuYo_r8TrVgi7-IdGu_hg',sig:'K30_ScOo9Tr1x2D917cvSfADcq2URETjMfkKGiMGwxE=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2071524751',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Now, he will get to adapt his body to the requirements of an F1 weekend, both physically and mentally. He will also get the benefit of a smoother transition, thanks to three free practice sessions. This will allow him to do race simulation and qualifying runs in equal measure.<\/p>\n<p>Bearman can use the lessons he learns in Baku to finetune his racecraft and skills ahead of two further free practice sessions. This will also be valuable race time he earns, ahead of his full-time appearance in 2025.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Happy hunting ground for Bearman<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While Bearman will be stepping into the Haas F1 car at Baku, he will do so knowing his record at the track from last year. The Prema racer topped every session at Baku in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>After topping the only free practice session, he took pole position and the two points that came with it. Bearman then came through the field in the sprint race, capitalising on a late-race collision and an overtake on teammate Frederik Vesti to win.<\/p>\n<p>Now starting from pole for the feature race, Bearman drove excellently at the front. He completed a brace of wins over the weekend with a composed race. This put him in the elite category with Antonio Giovinazzi, as the only drivers to have taken pole and won both F2 races on the same weekend.<\/p>\n<p>While Bearman would have fancied continuing the winning run for Prema, he gets an even bigger opportunity. He gets to race in F1 for <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/08\/08\/haas-reveal-changes-that-sparked-2024-resurgence\/\" target=\"_self\">Haas<\/a>, even before his official debut.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"70r7utacTsN39XCzg0BjcA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2162014275\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'70r7utacTsN39XCzg0BjcA',sig:'ZyKaK9GRvxlTAHDpPXaEBBmE0OYxLi6Leb5bZ6nKuSM=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2162014275',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The American team&#8217;s recent form has proven rather difficult, as they haven&#8217;t been quick enough across a range of tracks. While they sit seventh in the standings, at the moment, they will rue missing out on points. After all, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.formula1.com\/en\/results\/2024\/team\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sixth-placed VCARB<\/a> are only six points ahead. That&#8217;s an added incentive for Bearman to go and score points for the team in Baku.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A straight comparison for Bearman with Haas racer Hulkenberg<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Apart from stepping in, Bearman will also be able to see how he fares against <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/08\/19\/nico-hulkenberg-audi-serious-about-f1\/\" target=\"_self\">Hulkenberg<\/a>. The German racer has shown impressive form for Haas, often qualifying high up the grid.<\/p>\n<p>Hulkenberg has been one of the standout racers in 2024. His brace of sixth-place finishes encapsulated the sheer pace and consistency at his disposal. Additionally, he has scored 22 points this year, sitting eleventh in the standings.<\/p>\n<p>Hulkenberg poses a strong yardstick for Bearman to emulate. An experienced contender, and veteran of over 200 race starts, Hulkenberg has been a consistent racer in F1&#8217;s ever-competitive midfield. Bearman will also be able to hone his racecraft alongside the German.<\/p>\n<p>All in all, this is an excellent opportunity for Bearman to observe and learn in the pinnacle of motorsport. Opportunities like these do not come often, and Bearman must capitalise in yet another one-off appearance to make the best possible impression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Baku will be Bearman&#8217;s first real F1 test for Haas Ollie Bearman will be stepping in to drive for Haas at F1&#8217;s next outing in Baku. Bearman replaces the banned Kevin Magnussen, who accumulated 12 penalty points on his licence. In the Danish racer&#8217;s case, such an instance automatically triggers a one-race ban. As a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5219,"featured_media":24309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4,3],"tags":[2220,614,896,84,346,47,1758],"class_list":["post-24269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-formula-1","category-news","tag-2024-formula-1-season","tag-azerbaijan-grand-prix","tag-baku","tag-ferrari","tag-haas","tag-kevin-magnussen","tag-oliver-bearman"],"modified_by":"Nicole Powell","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5219"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24269"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24269\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}