Bearman boost for F1 place

BRITISH teenager Ollie Bear man’ s hopes of securing a Formula One drive next season have been dealt a major boost following confirmation of Nico Hulkenberg’s move from Haas to Sauber.

Bearman, 18, impressed as a last-minute stand-in for Carlos Sainz at last month’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and a seat at Haas – effectively Ferrari’s B team – in 2025 had been his target.

Hulkenberg’s departure frees up a seat, with Bearman now in pole position to take over from the German and join Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and George Russell as the fourth Briton on the grid.

Bearman, currently a reserve driver for Haas, became the youngest British driver in Formula One history with his debut in Saudi Arabia.

The Essex racer finished seventh ahead of both Mclaren’s Norris and seven-time world champion Hamilton.

Hulkenberg has spent two seasons with Haas but will join Sauber ahead of the team being rebranded as Audi in 2026.

The 36-year-old, who finished 10 that last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, has competed in 208 races over 14 years.

He made his debut with Williams in 2010 before competing at Force India, Renault and as a reserve driver at Aston Martin before joining Haas last year. He also drove for Sauber in 2013.

“I am thrilled and honoured to return to Sauber in 2025 and to represent the global German car manufacturer and technology pioneer Audi on its way into Formula One in the future,” said Hulkenberg.

“It is a big project with high ambitions and a huge challenge that I am very much looking forward to.”

Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl said: “Nico is a strong personality, and his input will help us to make progress.”

Ollie Bearman.