Kevin Magnussen of Haas F1 Team is unwell and will miss the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race, with reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepping in to replace him. Bearman will participate in both the Friday practice and the sprint qualifying, as Magnussen’s fitness updates remain to be seen. This involves regulatory compliance as per FIA rules regarding substitute drivers.
Kevin Magnussen, the driver for Haas F1 Team, will not participate in the upcoming sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix due to illness. His place will be taken by reserve driver Oliver Bearman, who will drive the team’s VF-24 car. An official statement from Haas confirmed that Magnussen is unwell and unable to partake in any track activities at Interlagos on Friday. The team expressed hopes for a swift recovery and stated that further updates would be provided as necessary. Since this is a sprint weekend, Magnussen’s absence means he will miss both the only free practice session and the subsequent sprint qualifying session on Friday, pushing Bearman into the role for both events. The situation regarding Magnussen’s potential return for Saturday’s main qualifying session remains unclear, pending his fitness status. According to Article 32.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, the Stewards have sanctioned Bearman to compete for Haas in the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix as a substitute for Magnussen until further notice. Bearman is required to utilize the same engine, gearbox, and tires allocated to Magnussen according to Article 32.5 of the regulations. This will mark Bearman’s third official F1 appearance and his second for Haas, having previously stepped in for Magnussen during a previous one-race ban in Baku. Bearman, a Ferrari junior driver, has also substituted for Carlos Sainz in the past due to the latter’s health issues from appendicitis.
The Brazilian Grand Prix is a notable event in the Formula 1 calendar, particularly because it features a sprint race format that compresses the typical race weekend. In the case of Kevin Magnussen’s withdrawal, it highlights the necessity for teams to have reserve drivers prepared to participate in both practice and race events. This circumstance is compounded during sprint weekends, where limited track time is available for race preparation. The role of a reserve driver has become increasingly significant in contemporary Formula 1, given the physical demands placed on drivers, as well as the complexities of timing and scheduling during race weekends.
In summary, Kevin Magnussen will be unable to compete in the Brazilian Grand Prix’s sprint events due to illness, with Oliver Bearman assuming driving responsibilities in his stead. This incident underscores the importance of having capable reserve drivers in Formula 1, particularly in a time-constrained sprint context. The team remains hopeful for Magnussen’s recovery and potential return for the main qualifying session.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
