Magnussen Withdraws from Brazil GP Sprint; Bearman Assumes Driving Duties
Kevin Magnussen of Haas F1 will miss the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race and practice due to illness, with reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepping in to replace him. Bearman’s participation will be governed by Federation International de l’Automobile regulations, utilizing the same vehicle equipment initially assigned to Magnussen. His involvement highlights the ongoing evolution of Haas’s driver lineup, as Bearman is poised for a full-time seat in 2025.
Haas F1 Team confirmed that driver Kevin Magnussen will be absent from both the Friday practice session and the Saturday sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix due to illness. In his stead, reserve driver Oliver Bearman will take over the driving duties of the VF-24 race car. The team issued a statement expressing their well-wishes for Magnussen’s recovery and stating that further updates would follow. As it is a sprint weekend, Magnussen will miss significant track time, which includes Friday’s only free practice session as well as the sprint qualifying. Bearman will therefore be in the Haas car for the sprint race on Saturday morning. While it remains uncertain if Magnussen will recover in time for Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session, he will be eligible to resume his role provided he is deemed fit. An FIA statement indicated the permission granted for Bearman to participate in the event in place of Magnussen, as stipulated under Article 32.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Bearman, driving car number 50, is required to utilize the engine, gearbox, and tyres originally assigned to Magnussen as per Article 32.5 of the regulations. This will mark Bearman’s third competitive appearance in Formula 1, and his second for Haas, following an earlier stint in Baku when he substituted Magnussen during a penalty. Additionally, Bearman has experience stepping in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari during the latter’s recovery from appendicitis. The team’s dynamics and future plans may be impacted by this development as Bearman is projected to advance into a full-time race seat with Haas in 2025.
This article discusses the withdrawal of Haas driver Kevin Magnussen from the Brazilian Grand Prix’s sprint race and practice sessions due to illness. In response, reserve driver Oliver Bearman has been assigned to replace him. The implications of this change on both the ongoing race weekend and future driver line-ups for Haas are notable, particularly since Bearman is slated for a full-time position in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, Kevin Magnussen will miss critical track sessions at the Brazilian Grand Prix due to health concerns, while Oliver Bearman steps in to take his place. This occurrence underscores the adaptability required within Formula 1 teams, particularly as Bearman’s participation marks an important step in his career, paving the way for future engagements with the Haas team.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
