Ferrari, facing a busy 24-race schedule this year, has opted to expand its Formula 1 reserve driver options.
Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman, both racing in the marque’s World Endurance Championship Hypercar program, might not always be available for F1 duties.
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Oliver Bearman, set for his second season in Formula 2 with Prema, will be present at Formula 1 weekends that coincide with his F2 commitments. Additionally, he’s available to join the team at F1 events that do not conflict with his racing schedule.
Last year, the 18-year-old participated in a test run at Fiorano in an SF-21 and also drove for Haas during first practice sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi, as well as in the young driver test. His performances have led Ferrari to include him in their reserve driver roster. Bearman, along with Shwartzman, is also eligible for further FP1 sessions with either Ferrari or Haas this year.
In related news, Arthur Leclerc, Charles Leclerc‘s younger brother, will serve as a development driver for Maranello despite exiting the Ferrari Driver Academy. Next week, he will get his first experience with F1 power in the 2022 F1-75 model in Barcelona.
The 23-year-old joins experienced drivers Davide Rigon and Antonio Fuoco in the development role, focusing mainly on simulator work, car development, and seasonal updates. He will also participate in the Italian GT series with Scuderia Baldini 27.
Ferrari’s 2024 track activities kick-off next week with a three-day Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona, scheduled from January 29 to 31. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will test the 2023 season‘s SF-23 on the initial two days.
Additionally, the team will run the 2022 SF-75, with Arthur Leclerc driving on the first day. The Leclerc brothers and Sainz will alternate between the SF-23 and SF-75 on the second day, with Bearman taking over the SF-75 on the final day.
Ferrari plans to unveil its 2024 car in Maranello on February 13.
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