(Motorsports news) The Ferrari Driver Academy member is the latest in a long line of Maranello Protégés to earn track time with Haas. Bearman is presently sixth in the FIA F2 standings. The squad has previously been scorched in FP1, with Antonio Giovinazzi crashing hard as a rookie in Hungary in 2017, and again as a veteran at COTA last year.

With the cost cap looming and the US-owned team executing its new package, an off for Bearman in FP1 would be a big blow for the organization, but Steiner believes in the 18-year-old rookie. When asked about Bearman’s outing, Steiner stated, “You’re always a little nervous.” “But, and hopefully tomorrow will prove me correct, Bearman understands that the biggest mistake he can make is overdoing it.”

“I explained to him that you are always judged by the things you do poorly, not by the things you do well.” Nobody will remember if you do everything correctly. “However, if you crash your first F1 car in FP1, that will be on your resume for the rest of your life. If you ever make it into Formula One as a result of that.” You know how this company works, and I informed him of that. I believe he is aware that he is not going through anything stupid.

When asked what Bearman was expected to do, he replied, “Learn as much as he can while not making any mistakes.” And I don’t think Bearman’s under too much pressure to do this right now. I believe he is in a good place.” Bearman, who recently received his F1 baptism in a Ferrari SF21 at Fiorano, believes the message has been received.

“Of course, like Guenther said, there’s no positives, nothing to win on Friday,” he went on to say. “It’s a required session, and all I have to do is return the car. At the same time, I’m really excited to get started; it’s going to be a lot of fun.” In Fiorano, I’ve already been. So I’ve had a taste of what it’s like to be at full throttle.

“This will just be building into it, and hopefully bringing some useful data for the team as well.” When asked about his goals for the race, Gunther stated, “No goals from anyone, including myself.” Setting any expectations would be absurd in my opinion. My initial goal is simply to have fun. “Like we mentioned, it’s been drilled into me a lot lately. There is nothing to gain from this situation. Simply do a good job, build up gradually, and enjoy yourself. That is my goal.”

Bearman stated that the Fiorano adventure gave valuable experience, despite the fact that it was the only car on the course. “The switches are something that at least I get used to with the sim and with the test in Fiorano, it’s quite similar set-up to what Ferrari have, so that’s nice,” he went on to say. “There are now other cars on the track, which may complicate things a little.”

“I believe the most difficult part for me will be the track evolution.” It begins very dusty here, and the grip level is poor due to the altitude. “I think just getting to grips with that and understanding what the car needs will be the main difficulty.” When asked about breaking into F1 at the age of 18, he said, “It’s really cool to be here so young, just have my foot in the door.”

“And I think the main goal of this weekend is to meet people, show them what I’m capable of, and come across as a nice guy.” And, yes, the fact that I’m young helps; I have plenty of time to get here.”

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