Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu is adamant Ollie Bearman is destined to become a Formula 1 driver for Ferrari.
This week, the Italian team began its collaboration with Lewis Hamilton, but Ollie Bearman, also British and a member of Ferrari's driver training program, begins this season as a regular F1 driver with Haas.
Ayao Komatsu confident about Ollie Bearman's future
Loaned to Haas after impressive performance During FP1 sessions with the Banbury-based team in 2023 and 2024, the 19-year-old also replaced Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Grand Prix when the Spaniard was forced to sit out due to cause of appendicitis. Ollie Bearman defied expectations by finishing seventh, which earned him much praise.
Ayao Komatsu, for his part, affirms never doubted Ollie Bearman's abilitiesfrom his debut with Haas during FP1 at the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix. Asked by Autosport about the chances of seeing Ollie Bearman become a future Ferrari driverAyao Komatsu answered : ” Yes. He's a Ferrari driver, and we have him for two years, with an option for another year. But if we do a good job and Ollie does a good job, Ferrari won't be able to ignore him. »
The Japanese added: “It's funny to think of Ollie as a rookie, because I don't treat him like one. We pay a lot of attention to what he has to say. Of course, he has a lot of experience through Ferrari training, the simulator, etc. And he has already driven our cars – the VF-23 and the VF-24. Every time he gets in the car, his feedback is great. His approach is excellent and his speed is remarkable. »
-Noted performances
Haas boss also highlighted Ollie Bearman's performances in qualifications in Baku and Interlagoswhere he beat Nico Hülkenberg, reference at Haas at the time.
Ayao Komatsu said to himself impressed by Ollie Bearman's technical feedback and his professional attitude, which puts aside any desire to demonstrate his raw speed to focus on the team's programs.
The Haas boss now wants to closely monitor Ollie Bearman's development and plans to meet with Ferrari to discuss how the team will monitor his development: “I'm sure Ferrari wants regular feedback. I'm going to see them at the beginning of February to understand exactly the type of feedback they're expecting. But I also want to give them my feedback, because Ferrari played a crucial role in Ollie's career. They know it better than us, and any help from them would be beneficial. »
Ayao Komatsu concluded by stating that he wants to work closely with the Ferrari officials who supported the young driver.
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