Bearman replaces banned Magnussen at Haas for Azerbaijan GP

Haas have announced that Formula 2 racer and Ferrari junior driver

Haas have announced that Formula 2 racer and Ferrari junior driver, Oliver Bearman, will take the place of Kevin Magnussen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Magnussen, who has been in impressive form since returning to Haas this year after a year out of Formula 1, was handed a one-race ban for his part in the opening-lap collision at the Canadian Grand Prix. The Haas team had initially planned to field Pietro Fittipaldi, the team's reserve driver, but they have now opted for Bearman, who is widely regarded as one of the most promising young drivers in motorsport. He is currently leading the Formula 2 championship and lots of Formula 1 teams have their eye on the youngster and would have wanted to take a more serious look at his skills. Haas will have no doubt assessed the talents of other young drivers before settling on Bearman. Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said: "We felt it was the right opportunity to give one of our young drivers a chance in Formula 1, and Oliver more than deserves it. “He has been performing very well in Formula 2 this year, and we are excited to see what he can do in a Formula 1 car. We are confident that he will represent Haas F1 Team well and we look forward to supporting him in his debut.” Bearman said: “I am very grateful to Haas F1 Team for giving me this opportunity. It is a dream come true to make my Formula 1 debut, and I will give it my all to make the most of this chance. I want to thank everyone at Haas F1 Team, including Gene Haas, Guenther Steiner and my fellow drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher, for their support. I would also like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy, who have supported me throughout my career, and my family and friends for their unwavering belief in me. I am ready to take on this challenge and I will do my best to make everyone proud.” Bearman will make his Formula 1 debut at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on June 10-12.