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.”
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 didn’t set a time in the session.
“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.
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