Haas has announced that reserve driver and Ferrari prospect Oliver Bearman will be promoted to a full-time race seat with the team from the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Bearman participated in two practice sessions with Haas last term and has completed two this term with four more scheduled, including this weekend at Silverstone.
The Briton, 19, completed his F1 debut in unexpected circumstances earlier this term when he replaced the unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari and raced home to seventh.
Bearman has combined his fleeting F1 appearances this term with his sophomore season in Formula 2, where he sits 14th in the Drivers’ Championship with one win.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much this means to me,” stated Bearman.
“To say out loud that I will be a Formula 1 driver for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team makes me so immensely proud.
“To be one of the very few people who get to do the thing what they dreamed of as a child is something truly incredible.
“To Gene, Ayao and everyone at Haas, thank you for believing in me and for trusting me to represent your team.”
Bearman will replace Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg at the American squad, but it has not been disclosed who will partner him with Esteban Ocon a rumoured target.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu added: “It’s an exciting thing to be able to give a young driver as talented as Oliver Bearman his first full-time seat in Formula 1.
“He’s developed into an incredibly mature driver under the guidance of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and the world saw that for themselves when he was called in at the last minute to compete at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
“Oliver proved he was more than ready for the task, and we’ve seen that for ourselves running him in the Haas cars in our FP1 sessions over the past two seasons.
“We’re looking forward to further developing him as a driver and reaping the benefits of his talent – both inside and outside of the car.
“Oliver’s a great guy and a very welcome addition to the team when he joins us for the FP1 weekends.
“Now we know that relationship is going to be longer-term, it’s a positive thing for all concerned.”
Team owner Gene Haas said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to give Oliver Bearman this opportunity to drive full-time in Formula 1 – he’s undoubtedly an exciting rookie prospect, not just based on what he showed in Saudi Arabia but also through his time developing his relationship with our team.
“I’m personally excited to see how he grows as a driver, and we look forward to seeing him deliver for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team next season and beyond.
“This is an exciting time for the team. Oliver’s signing shows we continue to invest in talent – both on and off-track – as we continue to compete at the highest level.”
