F1 News: F1 Star Under FIA Investigation for Red F…read more
Ollie Bearman Under FIA Investigation for Red Flag Violation at Monaco Grand Prix
Haas Formula 1 rookie Ollie Bearman is under investigation by the FIA after allegedly overtaking another car under red flag conditions during Free Practice 2 at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The red flag was brought out following a crash by Oscar Piastri at Sainte-Devote. Despite the suspension of the session, Bearman is reported to have passed a Williams car, prompting stewards to review the incident for a possible breach of Appendix H, Article 2.5.4.1 b) of the International Sporting Code, which prohibits overtaking during red flags.
This comes just a week after Bearman had his Q1 lap time deleted in Imola due to a red flag caused by Franco Colapinto. That incident cost him a potential top-10 spot.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft analyzed the Monaco incident, stating: “He’s been summoned to the stewards for not complying with a red flag. During a red flag, the rule is clear — slow down, be prepared to stop, abort the lap, and don’t overtake.”
Karun Chandhok, also from Sky Sports, added that the usual punishment for such an offense in practice is a five-place grid penalty. “I doubt Bearman will escape without a sanction,” Chandhok said.
If penalized, Bearman will join Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in receiving a grid drop. Stroll was handed a one-place penalty after he moved onto the racing line during blue flag conditions, obstructing Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in FP1.
The stewards’ decision could significantly affect Bearman’s starting position at Monaco, where qualifying position is often crucial due to the circuit’s tight and twisty layout.
