Breaking:F1 star under FIA investigation over red flag inf…read more
F1 star under FIA investigation over red flag inf…read more
Haas Formula 1 driver Ollie Bearman is once again at the center of a red flag controversy, this time during the second free practice session (FP2) at the Monaco Grand Prix. The young British driver is under investigation by FIA stewards for allegedly overtaking another car while the red flag was out—an infringement that could lead to a five-place grid penalty.
The incident in question occurred during FP2 when the session was halted after McLaren’s Oscar Piastri crashed at Sainte-Devote. As the red flag was deployed, Bearman is suspected of passing a Williams car on track—an action that directly violates the International Sporting Code. Specifically, the stewards are reviewing the case under Appendix H, Article 2.5.4.1 b), which strictly prohibits overtaking under red flag conditions. According to regulations, drivers must reduce speed, be prepared to stop, and absolutely refrain from passing other cars during such situations.
This isn’t Bearman’s first run-in with red flag regulations. Just last weekend at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, the rookie lost his Q1 lap time after a red flag was triggered by Franco Colapinto’s incident. Bearman, who had set a time good enough for 10th place, saw his effort nullified as per FIA’s protocol when a red flag disrupts qualifying laps. That incident already placed him under scrutiny, and this latest situation in Monaco only adds to the pressure on the young Haas driver.
Sky Sports F1 commentators David Croft and Karun Chandhok discussed the situation following FP2. Croft explained that Bearman was summoned to the stewards for “failure to comply with a red flag signal,” emphasizing the fundamental expectations during such scenarios. “When the red flag is shown, drivers must slow down, abort their laps, and most importantly, not overtake. That’s the issue here—he did overtake another car,” Croft pointed out.
Chandhok further added context, stating that the standard penalty for this kind of infraction during free practice is typically a five-place grid drop. “It’s hard to see him getting away without a penalty,” Chandhok said, indicating that Bearman could indeed face consequences if found guilty of the breach.
If penalized, Bearman would not be the only driver facing a grid drop at Monaco. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has already been handed a one-place grid penalty for an incident during FP1. The Canadian was found to have moved onto the racing line under blue flag conditions, blocking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was on a fast lap and ended up colliding with Stroll at the hairpin.
As the stewards continue to review the footage and telemetry data, Bearman’s fate hangs in the balance. A decision could significantly impact Haas’ strategy for the rest of the Monaco weekend, especially given how critical grid position is on the notoriously tight and twisty st
reet circuit.
