New front-runner emerges for Haas seat as Bearman looks certain

Haas has had a tough time in F1 in recent years with drivers as first the gamble on Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin in 2021 failed to yield any results, or points.

Then it was the turn of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg after Schumacher and Mazepin were let go, but the team's 2023 challenge was blighted by a poor car with excessive tyre wear its Achilles heel, with long-serving face of the team Guenther Steiner let go as Team Principal ahead of 2024.

This season, under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu, things are going much better with the VF-24 a capable midfield points-scoring machine, and this has piqued the interest of those drivers looking for a 2025 seat.

Hulkenberg is leaving Haas for Stake F1/Audi, leaving four seats available at Haas and Alpine, but in reality, there are only three up for grabs. 

This is due to Oliver Bearman being widely expected to be officially announced as a full-time driver in the near future, following his impressive Saudi Arabia deputisation for Carlos Sainz. 

Owing to the improved performance of the car, the second seat has become an interesting proposition, and given Komatsu's impressive start, multiple drivers are eyeing up the seat, currently held by Magunssen. 

Among others, Zhou Guanyu, Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas are frequently mentioned as candidates, but this is not an exhaustive list.

Who is the favourite?

Drivers such as Jack Doohan, Zak O'Sullivan and Zane Maloney are also looking for an F1 seat, with Logan Sargeant's manager also entering talks with Haas. 

His continuing at Williams for a third season in 2025 is seen as extremely unlikely.

However, the recent success of the return of the Chinese Grand Prix has made it clear that F1's popularity is surging, thus making Zhou a commercially lucrative prospect for any team, and so his management is laying its cards on the table with Haas.

Both Ocon and Bottas have other options, but Haas is likely the only option for a number of drivers, but it is certain that Haas will not opt for two rookies given the difficulties in 2021.

RacingNews365 understands that Zhou is currently the favourite with Sargeant also having a decent hand to play, although no final decision has been made. 

Haas can take its time in deciding its 2025 driver line-up, but one thing is becoming clear: that Magnussen will likely lose his seat for 2025.