P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has insisted that the team won’t be treating Oliver Bearman as a rookie in 2025, despite the upcoming season representing his first in F1.
Oliver Bearman, one of the five new drivers this season, has the most experience among them, having participated in three races last season. His impressive debut saw him finish seventh in Saudi Arabia when he replaced Carlos Sainz due to an unexpected appendicitis diagnosis. He also scored a point in Baku and raced at the Brazilian Grand Prix as Kevin Magnussen’s replacement at Haas. Despite being a rookie, Bearman’s maturity and exposure to Ferrari have made Haas view him differently, with team principal Komatsu emphasizing his contributions and development. Bearman will partner with Esteban Ocon at Haas, but the team denies having a lead driver, aiming for collaboration and mutual improvement. The competition between the two drivers is seen as a positive asset by the team, with a focus on Bearman’s consistency and determination to drive the team forward throughout the season.
