Oliver Bearman will race for Haas in the sprint at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, replacing Kevin Magnussen.
Haas announced that Magnussen would be ill and unable to drive on Friday and would call up reserve driver Bearman as a replacement. With just one free practice session ahead of Friday’s competition, Bearman will be competing in FP1 and Sprint qualifying, the latter session of which will also require him to compete in Saturday’s Sprint.
“MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen will not be on track at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday after suffering from an illness,” a team statement said. “Official reserve driver Oliver Bearman will take over driving duties. The team wishes Kevin a speedy recovery and will provide further updates in due course.”
Bearman will race in the sprint after car qualifying on Friday afternoon, but Magnussen could attempt a return on Saturday if he feels healthy enough to complete the Grand Prix qualifying itself. If he qualifies the car he will be able to start racing. However, if Magnussen is unable to drive in qualifying, he will not be able to participate in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso will also take part in FP1 for Aston Martin despite suffering an intestinal infection after last week’s race in Mexico City.
