The Haas F1 Team has confirmed Oliver Bearman will replace Kevin Magnussen for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend after the Dane was sidelined due to an undisclosed illness.
This announcement comes just as the team was gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Interlagos circuit following Magnussen’s impressive performance in Mexico, where he achieved his best finish of the season with a seventh-place result.
The Danish driver had expressed enthusiasm about competing at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, but health concerns have necessitated a swift adjustment to the team’s lineup.
The Haas F1 Team officially confirmed that reserve driver Oliver Bearman will take over driving duties starting with Friday’s practice session. This marks Bearman’s second outing for Haas this season and reflects the uncertainty surrounding Magnussen’s health.
“Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen will not participate in Friday’s track running at the São Paulo Grand Prix after suffering with sickness,” the team confirmed.
“Official reserve driver Oliver Bearman will take over driving duties. The team wishes Kevin a quick recovery and will provide a further update in due course.”
Despite the last-minute nature of this change, Bearman has stepped into the role with commendable poise, showcasing his potential during practice sessions. He finished third-fastest in Friday’s practice, indicating that he is more than capable of handling the pressures of F1 racing.
The team later confirmed Oliver Bearman would keep his place in the Haas cockpit for the full weekend while Magnussen recovers from illness, posting on social media.
“Following Ollie stepping into the VF-24 for today’s sessions due to Kevin’s sickness, we can confirm that the British driver will now complete the full #BrazilGP weekend with the team,” Haas F1 Team posted on social media. “We wish Kevin a full and speedy recovery.”
Amid the latest update, Kevin Magnussen would also be sidelined for Saturday’s sprint race according to Article 37.1 of the sporting regulations which states “no driver may start a sprint session or the race without taking part in at least one (1) practice session”.
Magnussen’s sudden withdrawal is a bittersweet moment for Haas, which has relied on his leadership and experience throughout the season. After a rocky start to the year, the Dane seemed to have found his rhythm, culminating in his strong performance in Mexico.
However, his absence from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix raises questions about his long-term availability for the championship. The team has yet to disclose specific details regarding his illness, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating about his future participation.
For Oliver Bearman, this opportunity presents both a challenge and a chance to demonstrate his capabilities on the Formula 1 stage. Having made a brief appearance earlier in the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix—where he notably scored points on his debut—expectations remain high for him to perform at Interlagos.
It comes as Bearman prepares to make his full-time F1 debut next year with Haas, where he will be partnered by Esteban Ocon.
