No Bearman for Haas in 2025? 'I would bet on him'

Haas F1 will now have to look to replace Nico Hulkenberg from 2025 onwards, after Stake F1 (soon to become Audi in 2026) announced the signing of the German driver. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has someone in mind for the American team.

Talking to Sky Sports Germany, Ralf Schumacher thinks signing Valtteri Bottas would make sense for Haas F1. The Finnish driver is out of contract by the end of 2024, and now has one less seat available to him at his current team, Stake F1, after Hulkenberg has been announced.

"I would bet on Bottas, but we’ll see," the six-time race winner believes. "They still need a good, experienced driver, I don’t think Magnussen will be enough and I’m excited to see who goes there."

Bottas is more than experienced for the job, which is one of Schumacher's demands. He is currently competing in his 12th season in Formula 1, has 19 victories and 20 pole positions, and a proven track record in driving for a team fighting both at the top and taking part in the midfield battle.

Another driver currently tipped to become a Haas driver is British youngster Oliver Bearman, after his great first race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, the German driver thinks that he is not what the team need at the moment.