Bearman Slams 'Dangerous, Desperate' Tsunoda in Austin Incident

Haas driver Ollie Bearman harshly criticized Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda for what he deemed 'dangerous' and 'desperate' driving during the 2025 United States Grand Prix, following a near-collision on lap 35 that saw Bearman spin off track. Bearman accused Tsunoda of moving under braking and not leaving a car's width, which he believes was 'against the spirit of how we should go racing' and could have led to a major crash.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights a growing tension on the F1 grid regarding racecraft and driver conduct, especially as young talents like Bearman push for position against more experienced competitors. Such accusations of dangerous driving, if left unaddressed by stewards or fellow drivers, could escalate on-track rivalries and raise safety concerns.

The Details:

• On lap 35 at Turn 15, Bearman attempted to overtake Tsunoda but had to take evasive action, going off-track and spinning, due to Tsunoda's defensive maneuver.
• Bearman stated that Tsunoda 'was swerving all over the place' and, upon his overtake attempt, 'moved in reaction... didn't leave a car's width of track.'
• He emphasized that this action was 'unfair,' 'not allowed,' and 'could have caused a huge crash.'
• Bearman, who finished ninth, believed a seventh-place finish was achievable without the incident, a position Tsunoda ultimately secured.
• Sprint Race Incident: Bearman also brought up Tsunoda's driving in the Saturday sprint race, where Tsunoda made contact with his 'sister car' (Racing Bulls driver) at Turn 1, an action Bearman suggested was repeated in the main race.
• Tsunoda's Defense: Tsunoda defended his actions, saying he didn't 'move under braking' and that the Turn 1 sprint move was 'racing,' adding he was 'fully in control' and 'not his team-mate.'
• Bearman further criticized Tsunoda for what he saw as 'silly driving' against Charles Leclerc, a driver not in direct contention with him for position.

Between the lines:

Bearman's strong language—calling Tsunoda's driving 'desperate' and 'against the spirit of how we should go racing'—suggests a deeper frustration with Tsunoda's perceived aggressive tactics. His comment that he wouldn't speak to Tsunoda 'because I don't think he will change' indicates a breakdown in trust and a belief that Tsunoda's approach to racing is ingrained, potentially leading to further on-track clashes between him and other drivers.

What's next:

While no official penalty was issued for the Lap 35 incident, the public criticism from Bearman could prompt race stewards to pay closer attention to Tsunoda's racecraft in future events. This verbal spat adds another layer to the competitive narrative, particularly as both drivers fight for valuable points and future seats in a highly competitive F1 environment.