Magnussen skipping the race benefits Berman and Haas

In Monza, Kevin Magnussen was again given penalty points, their number has reached a “critical mass” and the inevitable consequence will be missing the race in Baku.

On the one hand, this is very unpleasant news for him and for Haas F1, on the other hand, the situation also has its advantages. Not for Kevin, of course, but for Oliver Berman, who will replace him at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and, if you think about it, also for the American team.

Oliver has already completed six practice sessions behind the wheel of his cars since last year’s Mexico City Grand Prix and has made an excellent impression at Haas – which is why he was offered a contract for 2025. The unexpected chance to start the race in Baku will help him prepare for his first full season in Formula 1, despite the fact that the young Briton’s World Championship debut came in early March, when he replaced the ailing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.

The debut was very successful in all respects, with Berman earning points on his first attempt for 7th place, although the city circuit in Jeddah is considered very difficult. And now he will have to complete the full program of the Azerbaijan race weekend together with Haas. Of course, this will allow the driver and the team to strengthen their working relationship, which is already in the process of forming. All this will be a very valuable experience, especially considering that pre-season testing in Formula 1 is very limited in time.

It can be assumed that Berman will not feel much pressure, because he does not have to prove anything to the team, they already believe in him and the contract with him has already been signed. In any case, he will clearly be less worried than before his debut at Ferrari.

It is clear that he has to perform each session as efficiently as possible, and that is not easy either, but for a rider of his level it is usual. By the way, in 2023 it was Berman, who competed in Formula 2, who not only won both races in Baku, but also took pole.

Oliver’s goal next weekend is to help the team in their quest to take Visa RB to 6th place in the Constructors’ Championship. If he can score points, the maximum programme will be considered complete. Of course, it would be too bold to predict that everything will be exactly like that, as Berman has very little experience in Formula 1. And even in the most optimistic scenario, he will only replace Magnussen at this stage of the season, with Kevin back behind the wheel in Singapore.

For Haas, the advantage is that the team gets the chance to really test what Oliver is capable of, compared to Nico Hulkenberg, who is noticeably superior to Kevin this year. The more experienced German has 22 points, Magnussen only 6 – incidentally, like Berman after a successful debut in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

In general, Berman will try to work with maximum benefit for himself during the days of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but for the team this unplanned collaboration experience will be very useful in terms of preparation for 2025, even if Oliver does not manage to spend the Baku weekend as successfully as his debut in Jeddah.