Breaking:FIA Issues Harsh Penalty for f1 star After Rule Bre….read more
FIA Issues Harsh Penalty for f1 star After Rule Bre….read more
The FIA has announced a significant penalty for Haas driver Ollie Bearman after he committed a serious violation during a red flag period in Friday’s second practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Brit was hit with a 10-place grid drop and two penalty points on his Super Licence, following an incident that raised major safety concerns among race officials.
The Friday practice sessions at the iconic Monte Carlo street circuit were packed with action. Isack Hadjar crashed twice during FP2, and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also found himself in trouble after colliding with the barriers, prompting a red flag stoppage. However, it was Bearman’s actions during this red flag period that drew the most scrutiny from the stewards.
As the session was temporarily halted to clear the track, onboard footage captured Bearman overtaking Carlos Sainz’s Williams, a move strictly forbidden under red flag conditions. The footage was quickly reviewed, and Bearman was summoned to face the stewards after the session ended.
Following a thorough investigation, the FIA issued a stern penalty. Bearman was handed a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s main race, which could severely damage his chances at Monaco – a track notorious for its lack of overtaking opportunities. Additionally, the young driver received two penalty points on his Super Licence, marking a significant disciplinary mark early in his F1 career.
In its official statement, the FIA made clear the severity of Bearman’s infraction. Quoting Article 2.5.4.1 b) of the International Sporting Code, the stewards reminded all drivers that during red flag conditions, they are required to “immediately reduce speed and proceed slowly back to their respective pits.” The rules explicitly state that overtaking is not permitted and warn that service or race vehicles may be present on the track.
Bearman defended his actions by arguing that slowing down abruptly could have created a more dangerous situation. However, the stewards firmly rejected this claim. They emphasized that the essence of red flag regulations is driver and track safety, and that assuming it was safe to pass under those conditions was not acceptable. This is especially critical at a venue like Monaco, where the narrow layout and tight barriers leave no margin for error.
The FIA used particularly strong language in its verdict, underlining that such behavior cannot be tolerated and that all drivers must adhere strictly to safety protocols. The incident served as a reminder to the grid that safety must come before competitive instincts, particularly during potentially hazardous track conditions.
This penalty comes at a difficult time for Bearman, who only managed P15 in both of Friday’s practice sessions. If he fails to significantly improve in qualifying, the 10-place drop could see him start the race at the very back of the grid – a huge disadvantage at a circuit where track position is crucial.
Bearman is not the only driver facing a grid penalty ahead of Sunday’s race. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has also been handed a one-place grid drop for a separate incident. However, Bearman’s penalty stands out due to both its severity and the nature of the breach.
The Monaco Grand Prix is known for its glamorous setting and demanding circuit layout, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following rules to ensure the safety of all participants. Bearman’s case reinforces the strict standards expected in Formula 1, particularly when it comes to respecting red flag procedures.
With Sunday’s race looming, Bearman now faces the daunting task of trying to salvage a result from a heavily compromised starting position, all while learning a tough but vital lesson about the unforgiving nature of
Formula 1’s rulebook.
