Oliver Bearman has voiced his frustration over the FIA's "young driver" rules, which have barred him from participating in the Abu Dhabi GP's FP1 session and next week's post-season test.
The 19-year-old Briton was initially expected to take part in FP1 for Ferrari in Abu Dhabi, but the Maranello-based team instead ran Charles Leclerc's brother, Arthur, because of the FIA's regulations.
The rules stipulate that a "young driver" cannot have participated in more than two Formula 1 grands prix, disqualifying Bearman after he substituted in three races this season. Bearman stepped in for Carlos Sainz during his appendix surgery in Saudi Arabia, for Kevin Magnussen's one-race ban in Baku, and for Magnussen again in Brazil due to illness.
This restriction also prevents Bearman, who will race full-time for Haas in 2024, from joining the rookie driver test at Abu Dhabi. Instead, Esteban Ocon will run for Haas in the Pirelli tyre test on the first day, leaving Bearman unable to participate in either session.
Bearman expressed his displeasure with the rule.
"If we go back a few years, (Fernando) Alonso did the rookie test after having won two world championships," Bearman told Marca.
The FIA granted Alonso an exception in 2020 when he returned to F1 after a two-year sabbatical with Alpine.
"I've only done three races, I've scored points twice, and he has two world championships—but he was able to do the rookie test," Bearman exclaimed.
Despite the setback, Bearman has some good news on the horizon. Alongside Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, he is set to participate in the Super Formula test at Suzuka next week.
Bearman's ascent in motorsport has been closely supported by his father, David Bearman, CEO of the insurance giant Aventum. Aventum's logo already features on the 19-year-old's Haas race overalls.
