PREMA have named 2024 F3 vice-champion, Gabriele Mini as Oliver Bearman’s replacement for F2’s trip to Baku, Azerbaijan.
Bearman has been called up by Haas to replace the suspended Kevin Magnussen for F1’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his second F1 race of the season after he replaced Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia due to the Spaniard needing appendix surgery.
PREMA consequently have opted to replace Bearman for F2’s support races in Baku from within, as the Italian team decided to promote 2024 F3 vice-champion, Gabriele Mini for just one round.
Speaking about his new opportunity just over a week after he dramatically missed out on the F3 title to his Italian compatriot – Leonardo Fornaroli, Mini said that he is keen to sample F2 ahead of an expected graduation next season.
“Very happy to be joining PREMA Racing for the FIA Formula 2 event at Baku. We had a strong season in 2024, and we have been fighting for the title until the last corner.
“Formula 2 is the main option for 2025 so it’s also very important to join early at Baku. It’s a good opportunity for me to learn with the new car and series.”
PREMA Team Principal, Rene Rosin added: “We cannot wait to see Gabriele make his FIA Formula 2 debut. It’s very rewarding to see him graduate to the top junior single-seater series after making his very first steps with our team back in 2020.
It will be a useful opportunity for both him and the team.”
Rosin also moved to quell any rumours that could surface around Bearman’s immediate future for rest of season, as he iterated that the Brit will return for the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
“On the other hand, we want to wish Ollie the best in his second Formula 1 start and we look forward to having him back for the final part of the year.”
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