Oliver Bearman Penalized Ahead of Monaco GP
Monaco, May 25, 2023 – Haas F1 Team rookie Oliver Bearman has been subjected to a 10-place grid penalty for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix due to a violation of red flag regulations during second practice.
The incident occurred when Bearman overtook Carlos Sainz at La Rascasse shortly after the session was halted following a crash involving Oscar Piastri at Sainte Devote. In an FIA report, it was noted that Haas informed Bearman about the red flag late, but video evidence showed clear indications of the red flag conditions on his dashboard, casting doubt on his claim of not spotting the signals.
The report emphasized that drivers are mandated to "immediately reduce speed" in red flag situations, with overtaking strictly prohibited for safety reasons. “In a track like Monaco, failing to comply with these rules poses significant risks,” an FIA official stated, noting there were no mitigating circumstances justifying Bearman’s actions. Consequently, he also received two penalty points on his Super License.
Bearman finished 15th in both practice sessions on Friday, describing the day as “tough” yet expressing optimism about upcoming adjustments. “We made good progress with the car from FP1 to FP2, and the balance felt pretty solid,” he told F1TV, stressing his intent to improve ahead of the race weekend.
The 20-year-old noted variations in tire performance, stating, “It’s vital we understand where we stand, but I see good signs moving forward.”
Key Takeaway
Bearman’s penalty emphasizes the strict enforcement of safety regulations in Formula 1, particularly in complex circuits such as Monaco. With adjustments planned for the car, the rookie looks to capitalize on any opportunities during the race.
