BEARMAN HAAS CHANCE FOR PLACE ON GRID

FORMULA ONE

BY DANIEL MOXON BRITISH racing starlet Oliver Bearman is on the verge of landing a place on next year’s Formula 1 grid.

Ferrari ace Bearman, 18, is seen as the possible heir to Lewis Hamilton’s place with the Scuderia and is the top candidate for the Haas seat, which will be vacated by Nico Hulkenberg.

The German, 36, has agreed to be part of Audi’s new F1 project and will join the team next year ahead of its transition from Sauber. Bearman (below) has already driven in practice sessions for American team Haas and left boss Ayao Komatsu impressed.

But his stellar F1 debut for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia last month, filling in for the unwell Carlos Sainz, has convinced decision-makers that he is ready.

Komatsu described Bearman’s performance as “amazing” and admitted: “He deserves a chance next year.” Any deal reached would effectively be a loan – Ferrari allowing Bearman to get vital experience.

Once blooded, he is seen as the man who could take over the mantle from Hamilton when the seven-time champion retires.

Sainz’s future is key to the driver market. The Spaniard, 29, has been in talks with Audi and is believed to have been offered a role beyond his driving career.

But he has delayed his decision, hoping that Red Bull might come calling.