Ferrari has made significant changes to its Driver Academy and F1 team, promoting Arthur Leclerc and Oliver Bearman to more prominent roles, with Bearman becoming a reserve driver and Leclerc a development driver, both set to gain mileage in upcoming tests.
Highlights
‣ Ollie Bearman and Arthur Leclerc have been given more prominent roles within the Ferrari Formula 1 team, with Bearman becoming a reserve driver and Leclerc taking on a development driver role.
‣ Despite leaving the Ferrari Driver Academy, Arthur Leclerc remains part of the Ferrari family, focusing on car development in the simulator and competing in the Italian GT Championship.
‣ Both Bearman and Arthur Leclerc will gain valuable experience by participating in a three-day Pirelli test session at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, marking Arthur Leclerc’s first time driving a Formula 1 car.
Ah, the thrill of a new Formula 1 season is just around the corner. Ferrari, not one to rest on their laurels, has been busy shaking things up. They’ve tweaked the Ferrari Driver Academy and the F1 team lineup. And guess what? Arthur Leclerc and Oliver Bearman are stepping into the spotlight at the Scuderia.
### More prominent role at Ferrari for Leclerc and Bearman
So, here’s the scoop on Ollie Bearman. This Ferrari junior, who’s been making waves in Formula 2 with Prema, is about to don a new hat. He’s stepping up as a reserve driver for the Italian F1 team. What’s this mean? Well, if Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz can’t hit the track, Bearman’s their go-to guy. He’s sharing this gig with Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman. Talk about a dream team, right?
Now, onto Arthur Leclerc. After a somewhat underwhelming first season in F2, he bid adieu to the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy. But, plot twist – he’s not really leaving the Ferrari family. Charles Leclerc’s younger bro is now a development driver, alongside Antonio Fuoco and Davide Rigon. His new role? Diving into the simulator to tweak the car’s development, its setup, and the season’s updates. Oh, and he’s also hitting the Italian GT Championship circuit this year. Busy guy!
### First mileage for Ferrari in 2024
Next week’s a big one for Bearman and Arthur Leclerc. They’re set to rack up some serious mileage for the Scuderia during a three-day Pirelli test session at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. And on 29 and 30 January, the spotlight shifts to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. They’ll be taking last year’s SF23 for a spin.
But here’s the kicker: Arthur Leclerc will get his first taste of a Formula 1 car on Monday, 29 January. He’ll be behind the wheel of the 2022 F1-75. The following day, it’s a tag team affair with Charles and Carlos driving both the SF23 and the F1-75. And Oliver Bearman? He’ll make his track debut in the F1-75 on 31 January.
Whew, that’s a lot of action packed into a few days. Ferrari’s not just revving up their engines; they’re turbocharging their team. Can’t wait to see how this all plays out on the track.
