(L to R): Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Haas F1 Team and Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas F1 Team. 21.02.2024. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.
Kevin Magnussen believes that Haas has benefited from having seasoned drivers in its Formula 1 lineup amidst rumors connecting Oliver Bearman with the team in 2025.
Bearman made his unexpected F1 debut during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when he substituted for the unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, who had undergone an appendix operation.
Despite only having one hour of practice on a demanding circuit, the British driver qualified 11th and finished in seventh place, surpassing Lewis Hamilton.
Bearman participated in two practice sessions with Haas last season and is expected to have six more this year, fueling speculation that he is being groomed for a promotion to F1.
However, Magnussen has cautioned that Haas values the advantage of having experienced drivers following the team’s strong start to the current season.
When asked if he would welcome Bearman as a teammate, Magnussen stated, “I believe that stepping into a race weekend with a prominent team like Ferrari comes with a significant amount of pressure.
“At the same time, when you are thrown into the deep end like that, it can also be a situation where you feel less pressure because the task at hand is so immense that the ideal performance is somewhat unknown.
“So I suppose it was an incredible opportunity for him to race on such a remarkable track with Ferrari. Having your debut race with Ferrari must be an extraordinary feeling.
“Do I want him as a teammate? Well, considering his young age and his position in his career and life, I can relate to where he is.
“So I genuinely wish him the best. Nico is an extremely competent teammate, and I believe we have a great dynamic within the team. We work together very well.
“And I think that, as a team, the journey we are on benefits from having experienced drivers, but ultimately, it’s beyond my control.
“I think we must make the most of what we currently have with the two drivers and the car, which I believe is performing adequately.”
Hulkenberg has issued a warning to Bearman that his accomplishments in Formula 1 will soon fade away unless he follows it up with a successful second season in Formula 2.
The driver from Prema had secured the top starting position in Jeddah before his promotion to Formula 1, but he has only managed to gather two points in the two races he has participated in so far.
When asked about the possibility of competing with Magnussen for a seat alongside Bearman, Hulkenberg responded, “It’s too early to make that claim at this point.”
“I believe he has a significant challenge ahead of him in F2, because if he doesn’t perform well there, this Jeddah race will be forgotten within a matter of days.”
“We all know how this industry operates. Therefore, he faces a considerable amount of pressure to deliver in F2 right now.”