Delayed Qualifying Results Spark Chaos and Controversy at 2

“Delayed Qualifying Results Spark Chaos and Controversy at 2025 Imola grand prix due to…read more

Delayed Start Amid Red Flag Drama

Qualifying for the 2025 Imola Grand Prix turned chaotic on Saturday as the FIA was forced to delay proceedings due to multiple red flag incidents and a controversial decision regarding lap times. Held at the iconic Imola circuit in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the session saw dramatic moments from the outset, sparking confusion and frustration among teams and drivers.

Tsunoda Crash Sparks Early Disruption

The drama began in Q1 when Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda suffered a heavy crash, triggering the first red flag of the session. Although the impact appeared significant, Tsunoda fortunately walked away uninjured and went to the medical tent for precautionary checks. The session was paused to allow track marshals to clear the debris and ensure the area was safe for racing to continue.

Bearman Makes the Cut – Then Doesn’t

When qualifying resumed, Haas’s rookie driver Ollie Bearman delivered a promising lap that seemed to earn him a place in Q2. However, in the final moments of Q1, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto also crashed, causing a second red flag to be waved. The crash brought Bearman’s lap into question, with stewards reviewing whether he had completed his time before the red flag came out.

Initially, Bearman’s lap time was deleted, dropping him out of the top 15 and promoting Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto into Q2. But the situation didn’t end there.

Stewards’ Review Adds to Confusion

FIA officials then delayed the start of Q2, initially announcing it would resume at 16:46 local time, to reassess the sequence of events. The key issue was whether Bearman had crossed the line in time. As teams waited for clarity, uncertainty loomed over who had officially advanced.

Adding to the confusion, Sauber sent Bortoleto out on track before a final decision had been made, while Bearman stayed in the garage, still unsure if he would be reinstated.

Final Decision and Reaction

Eventually, the stewards confirmed that Bearman’s lap would remain deleted, leaving him out of Q2 and officially classified in P19. Bortoleto retained his Q2 slot, and qualifying resumed just before 4:00 PM local time.

Bearman expressed disappointment with how the situation was handled. “I’m not sure why my lap wasn’t reinstated,” he said. “I think they have enough to understand what happened and it’s a bit strange.”

A Controversial Qualifying Session

The disrupted qualifying raised concerns about the clarity and consistency of FIA decisions, particularly during high-pressure moments. Fans, teams, and drivers were left puzzled by the timing and lack of transparency around the ruling. While Bortoleto moved on, the incident overshadowed what was otherwise an intense and competitive session at Imola. The FIA has yet to release a full explanation of their decision, leaving the pa

ddock awaiting answers.