After an incredible performance in Jeddah, Ayao Komatsu admitted that he was surprised by Oliver Bearman, and Haas could consider him for 2025, but the team is also happy with their two current drivers.
Bearman had to step in for the FP3 session as Carlos Sainz was diagnosed with appendicitis and needed surgery. The Britton, considering he didn’t have much time to adapt to the car and the circuit, delivered an amazing performance both in qualifying and the race.
That was recognized by Haas team principal Komatsu, who admitted that Bearman’s performance was “amazing”. However, the Japanese also said that both Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg are doing a great job. Therefore, it is not given that the Britton will drive for the American outfit in 2025.
“This circuit is not the easiest circuit to jump in from FP3. So I’m very, very happy for him, and [he was] impressive.
“He deserves a chance next year, I guess. [But] penalty aside, Kev’s done fantastic today. Nico delivered as well. So how can I sit here and say, [Bearman is] ‘our driver for next year’?
“Based on today’s performance, [it’s] Nico and Kevin.”
Komatsu concluded by saying that he already understood Bearman’s value when he drove for Haas in last season’s FP1 at the Mexican GP and in Abu Dhabi.
“Of course, we ran him in Mexico FP1 and Abu Dhabi, and straight away it was totally clear to me and most of us that he is something special,” the Japanese engineer explained.
“It’s not just the speed. It’s the total package, and he understands the objectives, he handled himself very well. Even during a run, he’s able to sort of absorb the information from the previous lap and then make minor adjustments to make the next step better.
“He just showed maturity straight away as if he’s been doing it for some years.”