Breaking: F1 driver slapped with huge grid penalty at Monaco GP after…read more
Haas Rookie Ollie Bearman Hit with Major Grid Penalty After Red Flag Violation in Monaco GP Practice
Haas F1 Team’s rookie driver Ollie Bearman has been handed a significant 10-place grid penalty following an incident during Friday’s practice sessions at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. The 19-year-old British driver was found to have breached race regulations by overtaking under red flag conditions — a serious violation in Formula 1.
The infraction occurred during the second free practice session, which was disrupted after Oscar Piastri crashed, prompting officials to wave the red flags. As a result, all drivers were required to slow down immediately and return to the pits in a safe manner, as per FIA regulations. However, television footage showed Bearman passing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz after the red flag had been issued.
Following the session, FIA stewards launched a full investigation into the incident. After reviewing video footage and team communications, they concluded that Bearman did indeed make the illegal overtake despite clear visual and dashboard indicators showing the red flag condition. The penalty was confirmed in an official stewards’ statement, which outlined the circumstances and rationale behind the decision.
“Well prior to the overtake, the session had already been red flagged,” the stewards explained. “Although the team informed the driver rather late — just moments before the overtake occurred — it is evident from the video footage that a light panel displaying the red flag was directly visible to the driver. Additionally, the dashboard in Bearman’s car also showed the red flag warning before the incident took place.”
The stewards referenced Article 2.5.4.1 (b) of the International Sporting Code, which mandates that upon a red flag, all drivers must immediately reduce speed and return slowly to the pits without overtaking. The regulations emphasize safety, reminding competitors that race marshals, medical teams, and recovery vehicles may be present on the track during such stoppages. Bearman’s failure to adhere to these rules left officials with little choice but to impose the penalty.
As a result, Bearman’s grid position for Saturday’s qualifying session — and likely Sunday’s race — will be significantly impacted. He’ll drop 10 places from wherever he qualifies, putting him on the back foot in what is already a notoriously difficult circuit for overtaking.
Bearman is not the only driver entering qualifying with a penalty. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll is also carrying a grid drop for a separate infraction, adding further complexity to the starting grid in Monaco, where track position is crucial.
The decision marks a tough lesson for Bearman in his rookie season, underlining the importance of immediate compliance with race regulations — especially at a demanding venue like Monaco. As he continues to adapt to the top tier of motorsport, this setback could serve as a pivotal learning moment in his budding career.
