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. The Haas driver says he wasn’t notified of the red flag until “quite a way after I crossed the line”. Update: FIA statement added below.

Qualifying for F1’s Imola GP was hit by two red flags in the first session. An initial stoppage came when Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda hit the wall and a second red flag fell following a violent crash from newly promoted Alpine driver Franco Colapinto.

The Argentine’s crash ended the first session, but Haas driver Bearman was on a fast lap as the red flags flew.

The British driver claims he wasn’t notified of the red flags until after he crossed the line, which would normally have meant that his lap stood. However, the FIA ruled that the flags fell before Bearman finished the lap, so it wouldn’t count towards the session.

As such, the Briton qualified 19th ahead of only Tsunoda, who set no time due to his crash.

“We get the red light on our dash,” explained Bearman. “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.

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images

“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 call meant that Bearman missed out on a chance to move up the order and, potentially, into Q2 ahead of the Imola GP.

The Haas team attempted to argue Bearman’s case, which led to an unexpected delay to the start of Q2 in Italy. However, the stewards didn’t back down on their 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 now line up 19th for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix tomorrow, with team-mate Esteban Ocon next to him in 18th place.

A Haas team representative met with FIA officials after qualifying to further clarify what had happened.

FIA clarifies timing

The FIA explained their reasoning in a statement saying: “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 requests further clarification

On Sunday morning, a Haas spokesperson stated: "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."

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