Oliver Bearman slams FIA for “totally unfair” Imola GP qualifying

British racer Oliver Bearman slammed the FIA after his fastest lap in qualifying for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was deleted due to a late red flag in the session.

Bearman, driving for Haas, stated he was not notified of the red flag until "quite a way after I crossed the line." Qualifying for F1's Imola GP was disrupted by two red flags in the first session. An initial stoppage occurred when Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda hit the wall, followed by a second red flag due to a significant crash involving Franco Colapinto, a newly promoted Alpine driver.

Colapinto's crash ended the first session. However, Bearman was on a fast lap as the red flags were deployed. Bearman claims he did not receive notification of the red flags until after he had crossed the finish line, which typically means his lap would stand. Nevertheless, the FIA ruled that the flags were shown before Bearman completed his lap, invalidating it.

Consequently, the British driver qualified 19th, ahead only of Tsunoda, who did not set a time due to his earlier crash.

"We get the red light on our dash," Bearman explained. "That, for me, didn't happen until quite a way after I crossed the line. Watching the outboard video, it was clear that there was no red flag displayed when I crossed the line.

"So, I believe it's totally unfair to have [the lap] deleted. I feel like once they make a decision, even if it's wrong – even if it's clearly wrong – they're not going to turn back on it. And that seems a bit harsh."

The decision meant Bearman lost the opportunity to improve his grid position and potentially advance to Q2 for the Imola GP.

The Haas team attempted to appeal Bearman's case, causing a delay to the start of Q2 in Italy. However, the stewards upheld their initial decision.

"Unfortunately, we are last now," he added.

"It's things like that... we work and we invest so much. We have a new package this weekend, and this has been months and months in the pipeline.

"It's the only chance we have to show it. I put in a lap that's representative and really get the most out of the car, and that's what we have to show for it. It's a big shame."

Bearman will start the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix from 19th place, with his teammate Esteban Ocon starting 18th.

A Haas team representative met with FIA officials post-qualifying to seek further clarification on the incident.

FIA Clarifies Timing

The FIA provided a statement explaining their reasoning: "In relation to the Oliver Bearman situation in Q1, the red flag was set at 16:32.17.6 seconds. Bearman crossed the line at 16:32.20.9 seconds, with the abort signal / red flag showing on the start gantry.

"Qualifying 2 was delayed to enable the Stewards to consult the relevant timing experts and examine the underlining data to satisfy themselves that the timing system data was valid and it was therefore right to proceed.

"The overriding objective was to determine whether or not Bearman had completed the lap before or after the red flag and whether the lap should be disallowed, to ensure the right drivers progressed to Qualifying 2."

Haas Seeks Further Clarification

On Sunday morning, a Haas spokesperson commented: "After discussions last night with the FIA, we have subsequently asked for further written clarification on the decision making concerning Ollie Bearman’s final Q1 lap in order for us to review more comprehensively. We similarly asked what measures the FIA / Race Control can put in place moving forward to ensure that this situation is avoided in the future to the benefit of F1.

"Upon review we will be more informed to comment."