Drama at Spanish GP as FIA Issues Second Penalty After Dis...

Drama at Spanish GP as FIA Issues Second Penalty After Dis… read more

The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix came to a chaotic end, marked by a series of penalties that reshuffled the final standings. The most notable among them was a 10-second time penalty handed to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, which dropped him from fifth to 10th place after a controversial incident with Mercedes driver George Russell. While that penalty was swiftly announced following the race’s conclusion, a second, less-publicized penalty was handed out hours later, further delaying the release of the final race classification.

British rookie Oliver Bearman, racing for Haas, was hit with a 10-second time penalty by the FIA after a post-race review of an incident involving Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson. The incident occurred during an on-track battle where Bearman left the circuit, gaining an advantage that was not subsequently surrendered.

The FIA’s official statement provided detailed context: “Car 30 (Lawson) was overtaking car 87 (Bearman) on the inside of turn one. Car 30 was well ahead of the mirror of car 87 at the apex of the corner. Car 87 left the track and took the escape road, rejoining ahead of car 30 at turn three, thereby gaining an advantage. Car 87 did not voluntarily give the position back. Car 30 subsequently overtook car 87 on the following lap. We accordingly imposed a 10-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.”

While the penalty did not alter Bearman’s finishing position — he ended the race in 17th place, last among the remaining drivers — it added to what was already a disappointing weekend for both him and the Haas team. Bearman, making just his fourth race start in Formula 1, had already struggled during qualifying, managing only 17th on the grid. His teammate, Esteban Ocon, didn’t fare much better, qualifying 15th. Both drivers remained largely uncompetitive during the race and ultimately finished at the back of the field in 16th and 17th, respectively.

The late announcement of Bearman’s penalty added to the confusion surrounding the race’s final classification, which had already been disrupted by Verstappen’s demotion. The Red Bull driver had made contact with George Russell in an aggressive overtaking attempt that the stewards deemed his fault. Though Verstappen initially crossed the finish line in fifth, the penalty saw him fall down the order, handing valuable points to other midfield competitors.

The penalties capped off what had been an already intense and unpredictable race weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. With high temperatures, tire degradation, and strategic gambles playing a major role, the Spanish Grand Prix offered no shortage of drama. But the FIA’s delayed rulings ensured that the drama continued even after the checkered flag had fallen.

For Haas and Bearman, the weekend was one to forget. The rookie will now be looking ahead to upcoming races to bounce back from a performance that, while difficult, offers valuable experience for his development in Formula 1. As for the FIA, the string of penalties served as a reminder that their scrutiny does not end at the

finish line.