Haas facing Bearman quandary as Ocon plan emerges

Haas boss Ayao Komatsu is facing a looming decision over who will replace Ollie Bearman given he is now ineligible for the post-season Abu Dhabi test.

Bearman, who will become a full-time Haas driver next season, was set to take part in the traditional post-season rookie outing at the Yas Marina Circuit. The 19-year-old, however, finds himself barred as he no longer qualifies. 

To count as a rookie, including for FP1 sessions, a driver must have not taken part in more than two grands prix.

Bearman has competed in three, making his debut for the injured Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia for Ferrari; deputising for a banned Kevin Magnussen in Azerbaijan, and again for the Dane who was ill over the São Paulo GP weekend.

It means he will be unable to take part for Haas in the post-session test. Komatsu has confirmed that his 2025 team-mate Esteban Ocon will do so as the senior driver. 

It does not mean Bearman will not take part in the test, as he could do so for Ferrari as the 'senior' driver if a rookie is paired with him.

Lewis Hamilton will not be allowed to drive for his new team as he will complete sponsor work for Mercedes before his contract expires on December 31.

Haas could put Pietro Fittipaldi in as its designated rookie, with the Brazilian competing in two races in 2020 as the replacement for Romain Grosjean following his fiery Bahrain accident.

At least outlining the benefits of Ocon getting behind the wheel, speaking to media including RacingNews365, Komatsu said: "It will be the first time Esteban drives our car, which is important because the regulations are stable.

"Next year's car is an evolution of this year's car, so it is good he tests this car before January to see the strengths and weaknesses and have input that we can still work on in development."