Oliver Bearman took to Formula 1 like a duck to water earlier this season when he filled in as a replacement for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
The Spaniard who was undergoing surgery on his appendix, was unable to compete at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which Bearman managed to score points in.
With little testing time before, it was a stunning drive, and Bearman delivered yet again later on in the year while filling in for Kevin Magnussen at Haas, while also competing in Formula 2.
More laps in a car that he will drive full-time in 2025 were crucial, but one seat on the grid is yet to be decided, and it could go the way of one of his current Formula 2 rivals.
Formula 1 would be ‘more difficult’ for Isack Hadjar
Isack Hadjar trails Gabriel Bortoleto by 3.5 points in the fight for first place in Formula 2, with the Brazilian having already secured his future.
It means that a victory could be huge for Hadjar, and help him reserve a spot on the Formula 1 grid next year with Visa Cash App RB – owing to his Red Bull ties.
However, the Frenchman believes he will have a tougher time than some of his rivals have endured when he progresses to the next level.
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“I think if I had to jump into an F1 car right now, it would be much more difficult than it was for Ollie or Liam,” he told Motorsport.com.
“My experience so far in F1 has been three FP1s, and the run plans are always quite limited with laps.”
Does Hadjar deserve an F1 promotion?
Judging by his performances, Hadjar has the talent to drive in Formula 1, but so much hinges on the final two races weekends of the season.
If he is able to eclipse Bortoleto, he stands a strong chance of promotion, but if he doesn’t, it could completely stall his career.
On recent form alone, he hasn’t done enough – failing to score in his last four races, which has severely dented his previously large championship lead.
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He works well with Campos, so he has the right tools and team around him to perform, but it all falls to him to deliver the goods.
One race victory could be the difference between having a Formula 1 drive in 2025, and not making it at all in the pinnacle of motorsport.