Will Bearman or Magnussen finish the season at Haas? Team provides clarity

Kevin Magnussen will finish the season at Haas in 2024 once he returns to the cockpit next week in Singapore. Due to Magnussen's one-race ban, Oliver Bearman will replace him in Baku, but a permanent switch will not happen.

Ayao Komatsu caused confusion during the second free practice session. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Haas team boss was asked if it was an option for Bearman to finish the season for Haas. The Japanese F1 boss did not rule it out.

"All I can say is, our baseline plan is to put Magnussen back in straight away in Singapore. But also, this weekend we can monitor how Ollie is doing. It's impressive, very good. To be honest, from both drivers for our car to be this high up at this stage. Ollie, carried on from FP1 and is building up to it. We know how quick Nico is on qualifying sims, so for Ollie to be up there is really good," he said.

Speaking to the press after the session, GPblog.com asked Bearman about these statements from the Haas team boss and whether it is something that is on the young Brit's mind: "No, I think it's 100% sure [that Magnussen will finish the season]. It's his car. I'm here in an extreme circumstance because he got the race ban, which was tough for him. But we'll see him back in Singapore and I'll be supporting him".

After the media session, Haas made it clear that it is 100% certain that Magnussen will finish the season at Haas. The Dane appears to be entering his final months in F1. Oliver Bearman will get a full-time seat at Haas in 2025 alongside new arrival Esteban Ocon. The only remaining seats are at Visa Cash App RB and Audi. Magnussen does not seem to be a candidate for those two teams.

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