Sprint weekend shake-up: Bearman steps in for sick Magnussen at Brazilian Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Brazil GP: Magnussen out sick, replaced by Bearman for sprint.

SAO PAULO -- Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has been ruled out of Friday's participation at the Brazilian Grand Prix after falling ill overnight, with the team's reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepping in.

The Haas team announced the change on Friday morning, and the FIA has confirmed that Bearman is cleared to compete "until further notice."

"MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen will not participate in Friday's track running at the São Paulo Grand Prix after suffering with sickness," the Haas statement read. "Official reserve driver Oliver Bearman will take over driving duties. The team wishes Kevin a quick recovery and will provide a further update in due course."

Given that the Brazilian Grand Prix features a sprint weekend format, Friday includes both the first practice and sprint qualifying sessions for Saturday's sprint race. As per Article 37.1 of the sporting regulations, "no driver may start a sprint session or the race without taking part in at least one (1) practice session."

This outlines that Magnussen, missing Friday's activities, will be ineligible for Saturday's sprint race. However, he could still participate in Sunday's Grand Prix if he is fit to partake in Saturday's qualifying session, which is counted as a practice session.

Bearman, who is set to officially join Haas next season alongside Esteban Ocon, has prior experience stepping in for the team. He previously filled in for Magnussen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when the Dane was suspended, and made his Formula 1 debut substituting for Ferrari's Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this year.

As Bearman assumes Magnussen's role at Interlagos, the team and fans alike will be keeping a close eye on his performance during the sprint weekend.

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