Oliver Bearman replaced Kevin Magnussen at short notice for this Friday, competing in Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying. By doing so, he was sure to compete in the Sprint Race, but Haas confirms that he will also compete in the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Haas has therefore confirmed that Kevin Magnussen will not return to the track for the remainder of the weekend, meaning Ollie Bearman will race for the team again on Sunday.
Bearman aligns for the São Paulo Grand Prix
From this Friday at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, the news came quickly: Magnussen reported health problems, allowing Bearman to take the wheel for free practice, Sprint qualifying and Saturday's Sprint.
After Sprint Qualifying, another announcement confirmed that Magnussen would not return for Saturday Qualifying nor Sunday's Grand Prix. Bearman will therefore continue his role as substitute for the rest of the weekend.
Despite being called up only hours before driving on Saturday, the Briton made a strong impression in his third appearance of the season as a substitute. He had already raced for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia when Carlos Sainz fell ill, then for Haas in Azerbaijan following Magnussen's suspension for one race.
Bearman qualified for SQ3 of Saturday's Sprint Qualifying in Sao Paulo, outperforming teammate Nico Hülkenberg, who qualified in P12. Despite an error preventing him from completing a timed lap, the young driver was delighted to secure P10 on the grid for the Sprint.
The performance comes as Bearman prepares to make his full-time debut next year with Haas, where he will partner Esteban Ocon. In the meantime, in addition to his replacement role, the young driver will also finish his F2 season with PREMA Racing.
