Just In: Ferrari star OUT at Mexican GP as drivers collide during…read more
Ferrari star OUT at Mexican GP as drivers collide during…read more
Ferrari’s Ollie Bearman faced an early exit from practice at the Mexican Grand Prix after a collision during his session with the team. Bearman, stepping in for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, saw his session come to an abrupt halt following a significant crash involving Williams’ driver Alex Albon.
The incident unfolded when Albon, the British-Thai driver, lost control of his car, sending it careening into the barriers. In the process, Albon’s car collided with Bearman’s Ferrari, forcing Bearman out of the practice session. The crash prompted race officials to wave the red flags, leading to a substantial delay as the debris was cleared and safety inspections were conducted.
FP1 had to be paused due to the severity of the accident, with track marshals and emergency crews quickly stepping in to manage the scene. The session’s interruption lasted longer than initially anticipated as efforts to remove the damaged vehicles and make the track safe took considerable time. This disruption impacted several teams’ practice plans as they scrambled to make adjustments amid the unscheduled break.
Bearman, a young and promising talent in the Ferrari lineup, was making his appearance with the Scuderia for the FP1 session, filling in for Leclerc as part of the team’s ongoing strategy to provide more track time to their developing drivers. Unfortunately, his opportunity was cut short by the incident, curtailing what could have been valuable practice experience at the high-altitude Mexican circuit.
For Albon and Williams, the crash marks another setback, as the team has been working hard to find consistent performance in a highly competitive midfield. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, known for its challenging corners and high-speed straights, can be unforgiving, especially in unpredictable conditions.
Neither Bearman nor Albon sustained any serious injuries from the crash, and both were able to exit their respective cars unaided. Nonetheless, the accident served as a reminder of the risks drivers face each time they hit the track, particularly in practice sessions when drivers and teams are pushing the limits to find the perfect setup.
As the teams regrouped following the collision, Ferrari’s attention shifted back to preparing for the remainder of the race weekend, focusing on data analysis and adjustments. The early exit was a disappointment for Bearman, who will have to wait for another opportunity to prove his mettle behind the wheel of a Ferrari in Formula 1’s demanding environment. The Mexican Grand Prix weekend continues as teams aim to recover from the early disruptions and gear up for a competitive showing in qualifying and the main race.