Oliver Bearman is to replace a sick Kevin Magnussen for Friday running of F1 Brazil GP, with an update to follow later.
Having attended the Thursday media session in the Haas hospitality, Haas has informed that Magnussen will be replaced by reserve Bearman on Friday of F1 Brazil weekend. The Brit is attending the weekend as part of the programme with Ferrari.
But with Magnussen falling ill, Haas took on the option to deploy their 2025 driver Bearman in the car for the Friday sessions at the least. Considering it is a sprint weekend, the Brit will thereby take part in the sprint qualifying later in the day.
And since he will be part of the sprint qualifying, he will therefore start the sprint race on Saturday morning. Whether he continues on for the remainder of the weekend, it remains to be seen. The extent of his sickness hasn’t been noted as well.
“MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen will not participate in Friday’s track running at the São Paulo Grand Prix after suffering with sickness,” said the team in a note. “Official reserve driver Oliver Bearman will take over driving duties. The team wishes Kevin a quick recovery and will provide a further update in due course.”
The Brit will use his usual #50 for the Friday running and has his second go with Haas albeit his first sprint race. “The Stewards have received a request from MoneyGram Haas F1 Team to change the driver of car 20, Kevin Magnussen,” informed the FIA.
“In accordance with Article 32.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, the Stewards grant permission for the driver, Oliver Bearman, with the car number 50, to participate in the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix in place of Kevin Magnussen until further notice.
“The driver of car 50 is required to use the engine, gearbox and tyres which were allocated to the original driver, Kevin Magnussen as detailed under Article 32.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Further, this permission is subject to Oliver Bearman passing the scrutineering requirements.”
UPDATE: After Bearman stepped in for Magnussen on Friday, Haas has confirmed the Brit for the remainder of the weekend, which includes main qualifying and race on Sunday. This will mark his second grand prix with the team and third overall.
“Following Ollie stepping into the VF-24 for today’s sessions due to Kevin’s sickness, we can confirm that the British driver will now complete the full Brazil GP weekend with the team,” the statement said. “We wish Kevin a full and speedy recovery.”
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