JUST In:F1 team demand FIA investigation after…read more 

The Haas Formula 1 team has officially requested that the FIA launch a thorough investigation into a controversial decision made during the qualifying session at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. The dispute centers around the deletion of a crucial lap time set by young British driver Ollie Bearman, who was standing in for Haas as a reserve driver for the weekend.

Bearman, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most promising up-and-comers, had managed to post a lap that placed him inside the top ten during the Q1 session. This lap would have guaranteed him a spot in Q2 and kept him out of the elimination zone. However, race officials invalidated the lap time shortly afterward, claiming that Bearman had crossed the finish line after red flags were deployed due to a crash involving Franco Colapinto.

The decision sparked immediate backlash from the Haas garage, with team personnel visibly frustrated over what they believe was an inconsistent and unclear application of the rules. The team argues that Bearman had already begun his flying lap before the red flag was officially shown and that he had no way of knowing about the stoppage until completing the lap. The moment of the flag and the timing of the lap have now become a focal point of the dispute.

Following the session, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu called for greater transparency and consistency in officiating. “This situation is not just frustrating; it’s confusing for everyone involved—teams, drivers, and fans alike,” Komatsu stated. “We believe Ollie followed all the correct procedures, and yet he’s penalized in a way that seems arbitrary. This isn’t just about one lap—it’s about the integrity of the sport.”

Haas is now formally demanding that the FIA open a review into the procedures used to determine the validity of laps completed during red flag incidents. According to the team, such decisions should be grounded in objective data and clearly communicated to ensure fairness across the grid. They’ve also raised concerns about the inconsistency in how similar situations have been handled in the past, suggesting that other drivers in previous races were not penalized under similar circumstances.

Bearman, for his part, remained composed during media interviews following the incident, though he admitted to being “disappointed and confused” by the decision. “I knew I was on a strong lap, and it felt good to get into the top ten,” he said. “To have it taken away so suddenly without a clear explanation is frustrating, especially when you’ve put everything on the line.”

The FIA has yet to publicly respond to Haas’ request for a formal investigation, though insiders suggest the matter will be reviewed internally. The controversy has reignited long-standing debates in the F1 paddock over how race control communicates and enforces regulations, especially in high-pressure qualifying scenarios.

Fans on social media were quick to react, with many siding with Bearman and Haas. The hashtag #JusticeForBearman began trending shortly after the incident, with supporters calling for the FIA to reconsider its decision and clarify its red flag protocols.

This incident marks yet another contentious moment in the 2025 Formula 1 season, which has already seen multiple questions raised about stewarding decisions and regulatory consistency. For Haas, a team striving to rebuild its competitive edge and develop young talent, the Imola controversy represents a significant setback—but also a rallying cry for greater fairness in the sport.

As the Formula 1 circus moves on to the next round, all eyes will be on the FIA’s handling of the situation, with many hoping for a resolution that brings greater clarity and accountability to the rule enforcement process.