Oliver Bearman will make an earlier-than-planned Formula 1 debut with Haas at next weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix as he will replace the banned Kevin Magnussen.
Magnussen’s clash with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly at the second chicane in last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix incurred him a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points.
The Dane’s latest collision has seen him notch 12 penalty points over a 12-month period, giving him a one-race ban which he will serve when he misses the Baku race.
Magnussen’s absence will provide Bearman with the chance to conduct an entire race weekend programme with the Haas team that has signed him to a seat in 2025.
The Briton, who has served as Haas’ reserve driver during this campaign, has made four FP1 outings in the VF-24 at Imola, Barcelona, Silverstone and the Hungaoring.
But Bearman’s appearance will not mark his maiden F1 grand prix as his debut materialised earlier this term when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was sidelined in Saudi Arabia.
Despite receiving a single practice hour around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Bearman delivered to pip compatriots Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton to seventh place.
Magnussen is expected to return to his position alongside Nico Hulkenberg a week later at the Singapore Grand Prix to complete the remaining seven rounds in 2024.
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