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via grandprix.comBearman gets Haas's only upgraded Ferrari engineOliver Bearman will be the only Haas driver to race with the upgraded Ferrari engine at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, while Esteban Ocon will use the previous engine specification. This decision was made by team principal Ayao Komatsu, who noted that Ocon had received new components on two prior occasions, and the allocation is aimed at balancing the season's opportunities rather than favoring one driver over the other.
Both drivers will benefit from a significant aerodynamic update, although the impact of the engine difference will be more pronounced at Monza due to its unique layout and demands on engine performance. Ocon has acknowledged that the older engine will result in a performance deficit, and while he will eventually receive the upgraded engine, the current setup will provide a clear comparison of the two power units during the race weekend.
via Formula1.comWhy Ocon isn't receiving the new Haas power unit in MonzaHaas is set to debut a significant upgrade package at the Italian Grand Prix, marking their first major update since May. Both drivers, Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, are optimistic about the new aero upgrades, although only Bearman will benefit from a new Ferrari power unit due to limited availability. The team has opted to run both cars with the new specifications from the start of practice, rather than testing them separately, to avoid logistical challenges and maximize performance at the power-sensitive Monza circuit.
The decision to allocate the upgraded power unit to Bearman, who is currently ahead of Ocon in the championship, reflects the team's strategy to enhance performance in light of recent struggles. Team Principal Ayao Komatsu explained that the choice was also influenced by previous upgrades given to Ocon, aiming to balance performance improvements between the two drivers. Haas hopes these changes will help them recover from a disappointing race in the Netherlands.
via f1technical.netBearman hopeful Haas’ major Monza upgrade can reignite 2026 seasonThe Haas team has not released a major upgrade since the Canadian Grand Prix, and Bearman emphasizes the importance of this new package to improve their performance. Despite facing resource limitations and longer turnaround times for upgrades, the team is focused on scoring points at Monza and hopes to replicate their successful second half from the previous season, although the competitive landscape has changed significantly.
via f1technical.net"A new phenomenon for us," claim Hamilton and Bearman as they warn of Monza’s ...Lewis Hamilton and Ollie Bearman highlighted the unique energy management challenges posed by the 2026 regulations at Monza, a circuit known for its high speeds and braking zones. The new rules require drivers to adapt their techniques, including potentially downshifting earlier and managing electrical energy more carefully due to the FIA's stringent energy-harvesting limits at this track.
Hamilton noted that drivers will likely approach braking zones at significantly lower speeds than in previous seasons, while Bearman emphasized that the long straights at Monza exacerbate the difficulties of the new regulations. Both drivers expressed that this experience is unfamiliar and will require time for adaptation as they learn to optimize their performance with the new technology.
via Motorsport.comJack Doohan opens up on Michael Schumacher bond and gift that influenced his careerJack Doohan, the reserve driver for Haas F1 Team, shared insights about his bond with Michael Schumacher, highlighting their relationship as neighbors and family friends. He recalled receiving his first go-kart from Schumacher, which played a significant role in his early career in motorsport. Doohan's reflections come as the Italian Grand Prix weekend prepares to honor Schumacher with special tributes, including Ferrari liveries and an honorary lap by Sebastian Vettel in Schumacher's iconic F2002 car.
Doohan expressed that his experiences with Schumacher went beyond the racing world, emphasizing the human side of top athletes. He noted that Schumacher's achievements, including his seven world championships, are inspiring, but it is the personal connection and the normalcy of their interactions that left a lasting impact on him. This perspective shapes Doohan's approach to Formula 1, reminding him that drivers are just regular people with everyday routines.
via thejudge13.comFerrari prepares for Lewis Hamilton contract decision ahead of MonzaFerrari is preparing to potentially announce a contract extension for Lewis Hamilton at the upcoming Monza Grand Prix. Hamilton, who is currently contracted until at least 2027, has expressed motivation to continue racing, and speculation suggests he may extend his stay with Ferrari into 2028. This decision could significantly impact the future of Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman, whose path to a seat at Ferrari may be complicated by Hamilton's extended presence in the team.
The driver market has shifted recently, with several top drivers securing long-term contracts, leaving Hamilton as one of the few elite drivers without a clear future beyond 2027. Ferrari has already secured its other key drivers, making Hamilton's experience valuable as the team navigates a major technical reset in 2026. The Monza Grand Prix, being a crucial event for Ferrari, is seen as an ideal platform for any major announcements regarding Hamilton's future.
via Motorsport.comF1 fans declare 'silly season now serious season' after Franco Colapinto dealFranco Colapinto has officially extended his contract with Alpine, ensuring his place in Formula 1 through the 2027 season. This decision follows his impressive performance since stepping in as a driver in 2025, where he has consistently shown his capabilities alongside teammate Pierre Gasly. Currently, Colapinto ranks 12th in the drivers' championship, while Gasly is in 10th place. The news of his extension has garnered positive reactions from fans, who appreciate his growth and contributions to the team.
The recent contract extensions for several drivers, including Max Verstappen and those at Williams, have led to a decrease in rumors regarding potential driver changes. Fans have expressed their support for Colapinto, highlighting his performance and the sponsorship benefits he brings to Alpine. Overall, the current state of driver contracts has shifted the narrative from speculation to stability within the F1 paddock.
via Motorsport.comF1 fans declare 'silly season now serious season' after Franco Colapinto dealFranco Colapinto has officially extended his contract with Alpine, ensuring his place in Formula 1 through the 2027 season. This decision follows his impressive performance since stepping in as a driver in 2025, where he has consistently shown his capabilities alongside teammate Pierre Gasly. Currently, Colapinto ranks 12th in the drivers' championship, while Gasly is in 10th place. The news of his extension has garnered positive reactions from fans, who appreciate his growth and contributions to the team.
The recent contract extensions for several drivers, including Max Verstappen and those at Williams, have led to a decrease in rumors regarding potential driver changes. Fans have expressed their support for Colapinto, highlighting his performance and the sponsorship benefits he brings to Alpine. Overall, the current state of driver contracts has shifted the narrative from speculation to stability within the F1 paddock.Haas boss on Bearman: 'I'm sure he will excel'Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has expressed high hopes for British driver Oliver Bearman, emphasizing his potential and maturity as a young racer. Bearman has shown impressive performances, including a fourth-place finish in Mexico and a fifth in China, solidifying his status as a promising talent in Formula 1. Komatsu believes Bearman could excel further if he has a competitive car to challenge for podiums consistently.
Despite being the smallest team on the grid, Haas has managed to hold its own, currently sitting seventh in the standings. Komatsu acknowledged the challenges posed by limited funding for upgrades but praised the team's ability to produce a reliable and competitive car. He highlighted Bearman's positive attitude and leadership qualities, especially during difficult race situations, indicating a bright future for the young driver.
via f1technical.netHaas Experiences First Double DNF of the Season at ZandvoortHaas faced a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, resulting in both drivers retiring due to technical issues. This marked the team's first double DNF of the season.
via RaceFansStroll demanded penalties after Bearman and Bortoleto passed red pit exit light | Formula 1During the Dutch Grand Prix, Lance Stroll called for penalties against Oliver Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto for violating pit lane rules. The incident occurred when the race resumed following a stoppage due to Max Verstappen's crash, and the pit exit lights changed from green to red after Alonso passed by.
Both Bearman and Bortoleto drove past the flashing red light without acknowledging it, leading to Stroll's appeal for penalties. Bearman later faced a power unit failure, which added to the controversy surrounding the incident.
via CrashWhy two F1 drivers escaped ‘very significant penalty’ for pit lane breachDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, drivers Ollie Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto left the pit lane while the exit light was red, a violation that usually incurs a significant penalty. However, the stewards decided against punishing them due to the race not being live at the time of the infringement and concluded that neither driver gained an advantage or created a dangerous situation. Both received reprimands instead of harsher penalties.
Bortoleto managed to finish 13th after a chaotic first lap, while Bearman did not restart due to a breakdown. The race was ultimately won by Lando Norris, who achieved consecutive victories for McLaren. The incident highlighted the unique circumstances of the race restart and the stewards' discretion in applying penalties.
via grandprix.comOcon says Haas problem is car inconsistencyEsteban Ocon has highlighted the inconsistency of the Haas VF-26 cars as a significant issue affecting performance comparisons with teammate Oliver Bearman. He pointed out that despite using identical parts, the two cars often show different behaviors on track, complicating their performance analysis. Ocon's recent performance at Zandvoort, where he qualified ahead of Bearman, showcased a moment of improvement, but he emphasized that the underlying inconsistency remains a challenge for the team.
As questions about Ocon's future with Haas grow, he remains focused on addressing the car's issues. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has refrained from criticizing Ocon, recognizing his potential when he feels comfortable with the car. Ocon's comments reflect ongoing efforts to understand the discrepancies in car performance, as he and the team continue to seek solutions to enhance their competitiveness.
via Formula1.comFrom Salo to Bearman – 10 memorable F1 stand-in performancesLiam Lawson is set to return to Red Bull Racing this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar. This marks a significant moment for Lawson, as he previously made his debut at Zandvoort three years ago, filling in for Daniel Ricciardo. Yuki Tsunoda will also have the opportunity to race at Racing Bulls, taking Lawson's previous seat.
The article highlights memorable stand-in performances in Formula 1 history, including drivers like Jean-Louis Schlesser and Mika Salo, who made significant impacts during their temporary stints. These instances showcase how substitute drivers have occasionally altered the course of races and their careers, with some, like Sebastian Vettel and George Russell, using their opportunities to launch successful F1 careers.
via thejudge13.comBearman Threatens to Quit Ferrari ProgrammeOliver Bearman, a promising young driver in the Ferrari Driver Academy, has shown impressive performance in various racing categories, including a strong showing in F2 and a successful F1 debut. Despite his achievements, Bearman's path to a seat with Ferrari's senior team is hindered by the recent contract extension of Charles Leclerc and the ongoing presence of Lewis Hamilton, who is performing well in the current season. Bearman has been performing strongly at Haas, outpacing his teammate Esteban Ocon and contributing significantly to the team's points tally.
Bearman has expressed frustration over the lack of opportunities within the Ferrari program and has indicated that he may consider leaving if he cannot secure a competitive seat. The historical challenges faced by drivers in the Ferrari Driver Academy, coupled with the current team dynamics, have led to uncertainty regarding Bearman's future in Formula 1, as he seeks to compete for championships.
via Motorsport.comRegressing Haas "10th best" in F1 after Aston Martin upgrades - Oliver BearmanOliver Bearman from Haas F1 Team has acknowledged that the team is currently the 10th best in Formula 1 after being overtaken by Aston Martin. Despite a strong start to the 2026 season, where they scored points in five of the first six races, Haas has failed to score in the last five races, largely due to a lack of car upgrades since May. This decline has left them clinging to seventh place in the championship standings.
Bearman highlighted that the team's limited budget restricts their ability to compete with larger teams that can introduce upgrades more frequently. He expressed disappointment over the team's current position, noting that while they started the season competitively, they have been unable to maintain that pace as rivals continue to improve their cars. The situation reflects a broader challenge for Haas as they navigate the development race in the current regulatory environment.
via f1oversteer.comHaas now set to offer Jack Doohan ‘audition’ for 2027 F1 seat amid Esteban Ocon uncertaintyIn addition to Doohan, Haas is evaluating other drivers, including McLaren's Leonardo Fornaroli and Ferrari's Rafael Camara, for the same seat. Fornaroli has a strong background, having won consecutive titles in F3 and F2, while Camara is a rookie currently competing in F2. The competition for the 2027 seat is intense, and Haas is considering multiple candidates before making a final decision.
via CrashOllie Bearman admits Lewis Hamilton’s F1 resurgence “not ideal” for his careerBearman, who is on loan at Haas, made his F1 debut in 2024 and is determined to achieve his goal of becoming a Ferrari driver. He remains optimistic about his development at Haas and is not in a rush, although he is aware that waiting too long for a Ferrari seat could hinder his career. Bearman expressed admiration for Hamilton's performance while also recognizing the challenges it poses for his own aspirations.
via the-race.comIs this F1 2026 team-mate fight too skewed to trust?The 2026 Formula 1 season has seen a significant points disparity between Haas drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, with Bearman currently leading 18-3. This gap is attributed to various issues, including parts inconsistencies that have plagued the team, affecting both drivers' performances at different times. Ocon has expressed frustration over the car's inconsistency, labeling the first half of the season as particularly challenging for him. Despite these difficulties, Ocon managed to perform well in Hungary, finishing as the lead Haas driver for the second time this season.
Bearman has acknowledged that the competition within the team has not been entirely fair due to these inconsistencies, which have left both drivers hoping to be on the favorable side of the performance issues. The team has struggled to maintain a consistent car setup, complicating the assessment of each driver's true capabilities. As the season progresses, the ongoing parts issues and their impact on performance will be crucial in determining the future of both drivers within the team.Page 2 of 3