Bearman recounts 'monster shunt' near-miss with Hadjar in chaotic Chinese GP

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman described feeling "lucky to be standing here" after narrowly avoiding a high-speed collision with the spinning car of Isack Hadjar on the opening lap of the Chinese Grand Prix. The frightening incident, triggered by tricky wind conditions, sent Bearman off-track and to the back of the pack, but he staged a remarkable recovery drive to finish fifth and secure a vital 10-point haul for his team.

Why it matters:

A major crash was averted by mere inches, highlighting the razor-thin margins and instant reactions required in Formula 1. Bearman's subsequent charge through the field not only salvaged a disastrous start but also showcased his racecraft and mental resilience, proving crucial for Haas's strong position in the constructors' championship.

The details:

• The near-miss occurred at the high-speed Turn 13 leading onto the back straight, where Hadjar's Red Bull suddenly snapped away from him. The Frenchman stated he had "no time to have any input" before the spin.
• Bearman, battling alongside him, had a split second to react. "The next thing I know, he's sideways... I went left, I had to go off track to avoid," he recounted, calling it a potential "monster shunt."
• Chaotic Conditions: Both drivers blamed unpredictable wind for making car balance "all over the place," contributing to the loss of control.
• Stunning Recovery: After falling to 12th, Bearman fought back aggressively. He passed Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Liam Lawson within nine laps, and after a well-timed Safety Car, executed what he called "40 qualifying laps" to overtake five more cars, including Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, on his way to P5.

What's next:

The result vaults Haas to fourth in the constructors' standings, just one point behind McLaren, and lifts Bearman to an impressive fifth in the drivers' championship. The performance underscores his potential as a future star and provides Haas with significant momentum, though the team will be analyzing the windy conditions that nearly caused a catastrophic opening-lap incident.