BREAKING :FIA Issues Major Penalty After ‘Forbidden’ Incident at Monaco Grand Prix…Read more
FIA Issues Major Penalty After ‘Forbidden’ Incident at Monaco Grand Prix
A significant controversy has emerged at the Monaco Grand Prix as the FIA has handed out a major penalty to a Formula 1 driver for breaching the sport’s regulations during a red flag period in Friday’s practice sessions. The incident has sparked debate within the paddock, with the stewards making it clear that there was no room for leniency.
Friday’s Free Practice 2 was chaotic, with multiple drivers encountering trouble on the tight and unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo. Isack Hadjar brought out the red flags twice after crashing during the session, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also made contact with the barriers, adding to the day’s drama.
Among the more serious incidents was that involving 20-year-old Oliver Bearman, who drew the ire of race stewards for failing to adhere to red flag protocol. Bearman was found to have committed a “forbidden” act by not slowing down adequately when the red flags were waved. In his defense, the young Brit argued that braking suddenly under those conditions might have created a more dangerous situation, especially with cars behind potentially reacting unpredictably.
Despite Bearman’s explanation, the FIA stewards were not convinced. They rejected the argument outright, reaffirming that the primary purpose of the red flag rule is to protect drivers, marshals, and anyone on or near the track. They emphasized that drivers are expected to immediately reduce speed during a red flag period, as the situation ahead is unknown and could involve personnel or debris on the circuit. This expectation is especially critical at Monaco, where the narrow circuit leaves little room for error or avoidance.
The stewards ruled that Bearman’s failure to comply with red flag conditions merited a penalty, and they imposed a significant grid drop ahead of Sunday’s race. This setback compounds an already difficult weekend for Bearman, who only managed to finish 15th in both FP1 and FP2. If those performances are mirrored in qualifying, he could be facing a start from the back of the grid in one of the most challenging races on the calendar.
Bearman isn’t alone in facing disciplinary action this weekend. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has also been penalized, receiving a one-place grid drop for a separate incident during the Monaco GP build-up. These penalties could have serious implications for both drivers in Sunday’s race, where overtaking is notoriously difficult and track position is crucial.
With tensions high and the stakes even higher, all eyes will be on how Bearman and Stroll navigate their compromised starting positions in one of the season’s most prestigious races.
