Why Oliver Bearman cannot take part in Abu Dhabi FP1 with Ferrari
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Oliver Bearman is No Longer a Rookie
The sudden call that got him out of bed at dawn last Friday and disrupted his weekend plans for the Brazilian GP has had negative repercussions for the remainder of Oliver Bearman's 2024 season. The young English talent from the Ferrari Driver Academy, who raced at Interlagos in place of the unavailable Kevin Magnussen, has now reached three career Grands Prix in Formula 1, which technically disqualifies him from being considered a "rookie" under the sporting regulations.
The Three Races in F1
Oliver Bearman officially debuted in the 2024 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian GP, driving the Ferrari SF-24 to replace Carlos Sainz Jr., who was sidelined by appendicitis. After his full-time signing with Haas for 2025 was officially announced, the 19-year-old Briton went on to race in place of Kevin Magnussen both in Azerbaijan—due to the Dane's disqualification after losing all 12 points on his FIA license—and, as mentioned, in Brazil last weekend. Interestingly, the Interlagos race was also his first finish outside the top 10, with Ollie Bearman making some understandable errors that limited him to 12th place.
What Does it Mean to No Longer Be a Rookie?
These three Grands Prix were crucial for gaining experience ahead of the next Formula 1 season, but they came with the side effect of losing his "rookie" status, which has negative implications for the rest of the season. Ferrari, for instance, will be required to run a young driver in place of Carlos Sainz for Abu Dhabi's FP1 session, but that young driver can no longer be Oliver Bearman, as he is no longer considered a rookie after completing his third Grand Prix Additionally, the Englishman will not be allowed to take part in the young driver test day at the Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday, December 10, two days after the 2024 F1 season finale. The price of being a full-time Formula 1 driver…
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