Super-sub Bearman returns to F1 in Brazil with last minute change

Kevin Magnussen will not be in action for Haas on Friday. The team announced this just before the first free practice session in Sao Paulo. Oliver Bearman will replace Magnussen in Brazil. Magnussen has, so far, only been ruled out of action for the Friday track action and could return for the rest of the weekend.

"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. 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 Haas statement said.

It is a sprint weekend, so the meaningful sessions start on Friday afternoon in Brazil. Bearman will participate in sprint qualifying and, therefore, has an entry into the sprint race on Saturday. If Magnussen returns, he can take part in qualifying on Saturday afternoon and then Sunday's Grand Prix.

This is the third time Bearman has been called upon as a replacement during the 2024 Formula 1 season. In Jeddah, Bearman replaced Carlos Sainz at Ferrari and impressed on debut. He then replaced Kevin Magnussen during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend because the Danish driver was banned. Bearman has already scored seven points in those two weekends.

The young British driver is assured of a seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Ferrari Academy driver will race for Haas alongside Esteban Ocon.