Ollie Bearman might turn into a reserve possibility for Haas after Pietro Fittipaldi’s full-time IndyCar drive was confirmed this week, however the 18-year-old has been warned towards making headlines for the improper causes on his FP1 debut on the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix.

Fittipaldi will be a part of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2024, limiting his potential to hold out the full-time reserve duties he’s held at Haas lately. Whereas staff principal Guenther Steiner says the staff will look to retain Fittipaldi in some type, he acknowledges an alternative choice is more likely to be wanted and Ferrari younger driver Bearman could possibly be one.

“We now have to determine that one out,” Steiner stated. “I’m talking with Fred [Vasseur]…about reserve drivers subsequent yr however we haven’t come to a conclusion,” Steiner stated. “I don’t assume we lose [Pietro] utterly; we’ll look into what’s attainable and what’s not.

“Clearly we all know the calendars. We had a chat at present about it, and it additionally depends upon how a lot testing — as a result of in IndyCar they do a bit extra testing than we do right here — however Pietro is a part of the household. If we don’t have him round we miss one thing.

“We’re wanting into what we will do together with Ferrari, which reserve driver they’ve obtainable and issues like this.”

Whereas Steiner has been impressed with Bearman’s method to this point, he’s warned the rookie to not attempt to show an excessive amount of on his first FP1 outing for the staff.

“You’re all the time just a little bit nervous,” Steiner stated. “I believe — and hopefully I’m confirmed proper tomorrow — he is aware of that the most important mistake he can do is overdo it.

“I defined to him that we’re all the time judged by the stuff you do badly, not the stuff you do good, as a result of if you happen to do the whole lot proper no person will bear in mind, however if you happen to crash the automobile in your first outing in F1 in an FP1, that can be in your resume for the remainder of your life…if you happen to ever make it into F1 due to that! I made him conscious of that and I believe he’s sensible sufficient to know that he doesn’t wish to do something silly.”

Bearman himself says it’s recommendation he’s taken onboard as he prepares for his FP1 debut throughout an F1 weekend.

“After all, like Guenther stated, there’s no positives, nothing to win on a Friday — it’s a compulsory session and I simply have to convey the automobile again,” Bearman stated. “However on the identical time I’m actually excited to get going. It’s going to be actually enjoyable. I’ve already pushed an F1 automobile in Fiorano so I’ve received a style of what it’s like at full fuel, and this can simply be constructing into it and hopefully bringing some helpful information for the staff as nicely.

“No targets; no targets from anybody — even from myself. I believe it could be foolish to set any expectations. My first goal is simply to get pleasure from it. I’ve had it drummed into me loads now — there’s nothing to win from right here. Simply do a stable job, construct up step-by-step and revel in it as nicely. That’s my goal.”

The PREMA Formulation 2 driver would additionally not be drawn on any reserve position hopes, however says he’s eager to benefit from being within the paddock so early in his profession.

“It’s actually cool to be right here so younger, simply to have my foot within the door,” he stated. “I believe the primary objective of this weekend is to get to know folks and present them what I can do, and are available throughout as man. It helps that I’m younger; I’ve received numerous time to get right here.

“Clearly it’s nice information for Pietro to get a full-time drive. My major focus is F2 and it’ll proceed to be F2, however something on prime of that’s clearly a bonus. No strain — simply attempt to do efficiency right here and let’s see.”