Bearman, Colapinto: Tricky transition from F2 to F1

During the press conference before the Grand Prix in Baku, three drivers shared their perspectives and goals for this race weekend. Oliver Bearman, who is having his first full weekend in Formula 1 with Haas, Franco Colapinto, recently promoted at Williams, and finally, Zhou Guanyu, with Sauber. Their exchanges reveal the expectations and preparations of these drivers on the eve of one of the most spectacular and demanding Grand Prix of the season.

Bearman: maximizing his experience

Oliver Bearman, who is participating in his first full F1 weekend, expressed his enthusiasm and willingness to progress step by step. He acknowledged that the circumstances that brought him here were not ideal, but he sees this opportunity as a key moment to gain experience: “Yes, it’s nice to be back, first of all. Of course, it’s not under the circumstances I would have hoped for, but still, it’s an excellent opportunity to accumulate experience, to have a full weekend. With a little notice this time. I knew it was going to happen, which is helpful. And yes, I just want to use it to really progress step by step and enjoy it as well.”

Bearman, who won both F2 races in Baku last year, talked about his positive experience on this circuit while admitting to making mistakes during previous sessions: « Last year went pretty well. Yes, I was excited to come here in F2. And of course, making the step towards F1 for this weekend is a great experience. I really can’t wait to be there. I gained a lot of confidence on this circuit last year. From the outside, it was a very clean weekend. On the inside, I hit the wall in every session. So I will try to calm down a bit. Yes, just have a clean weekend and enjoy it too. »

The Briton also spoke about the preparation that Formula 2 offered for the transition to F1: “It is the category closest to F1, but I think nothing can really prepare you for F1. […] The amount of investment and time spent on producing an F1 car, which is developed throughout the year and optimized by so many people, is really a different ball game than driving an F2.”

Colapinto: adapting quickly to a new circuit

Franco Colapinto, new recruit at Williams, started in F1 at Monza. He described this moment as very special in his career, even though he considers his performance as insufficient: « It was a very special moment in my career. Of course, we always work towards this goal and dream since we are very young. And the fact of having achieved it in Monza… It was a very short notice. […] I did the best preparation possible, but it was very insufficient. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much experience in Formula 1. So I had to learn a lot of things very quickly. »

He took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of the support his team provided him: “They really helped me a lot. It allowed me to handle everything more quickly, to speed up the learning process. I think that part of the good performance I had in Monza is due to my engineers, mechanics, the warm welcome that everyone in the team gave me.”

Congratulations on his debut, Colapinto took the opportunity to explain how he managed his recent explosion of popularity in Argentina: « Argentine fans are incredible. It’s always nice to interact with them. » He added that he was not surprised by the reception in his country, explaining: « Argentina really needed a Formula 1 driver on the grid. »

Regarding his approach to Baku, a circuit he doesn’t know, he adopts a similar attitude to Monza: The goal is to progress slowly. I think it’s very similar to Monza. In Monza, I didn’t know the car. Now, I don’t know the circuit.

He too questioned about the transition from F2 to Formula 1, explains that it is a completely different universe: In F1, everything is close to perfection, and they pursue this goal. They have many tools to maximize the car you have, and it is simply an incredible car to drive. It is the fastest in the world, and it is something you have never experienced before.

Zhou: wise advice for young drivers and challenges at Sauber in Baku

Zhou Guanyu, who is more experienced, gave advice to his younger colleagues, recommending that they take advantage of the weekend and not take too many risks, especially for Colapinto who is still new to the discipline. Zhou also discussed Sauber’s performances, highlighting that the team is going through a tough period but they continue to explore different setups to improve their results: “We are trying to get as much out of it as we can.”

He admitted that the team had not yet found the necessary rhythm to fight near the top 10, but remains motivated to make the most of the circumstances, especially in Baku, a circuit with unique characteristics with its long straight line: “I think it gives us more hope for the race, for sure.”