Oliver Bearman will race for Haas in the Sprint at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, in place of Kevin Magnussen.
Haas has announced that Magnussen is sick and will not be able to drive on Friday, leading to a substitute call-up for reserve driver Bearman. With only one free practice session ahead of competitive running on Friday, Bearman will take part in FP1 and Sprint qualifying, with the latter session also mandating he must race in Saturday’s Sprint.
“MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen will not participate in Friday’s track running at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after suffering with sickness,” a team statement read. “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.”
While Bearman will race in the Sprint due to qualifying the car on Friday afternoon, Magnussen is able to attempt to return on Saturday if he feels well enough to complete qualifying for the grand prix itself. If he qualifies the car, he will be permitted to start the race, but if Magnussen is not able to drive in qualifying then he cannot take part in Sunday’s grand prix.
Fernando Alonso was also suffering from an intestinal infection following last week’s race in Mexico City but is set to take part in FP1 for Aston Martin.