British Formula 1 racer Oliver Bearman was penalised by the stewards at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix for his driving which was deemed to be ‘potentially dangerous’ by the stewards
Oliver Bearman has edged dangerously close to a Formula 1 race ban after receiving a penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The British driver now sits just three penalty points away from an automatic suspension following his punishment for “potentially dangerous” driving in a clash with Liam Lawson during Saturday’s Sprint race.
The incident unfolded on the opening lap as Lawson attempted to overtake the Haas driver. Contact occurred at turn four of the Interlagos circuit, with both drivers pointing fingers at each other – Bearman was left furious after being spun round, whilst the Racing Bulls driver insisted he’d been forced off track by his British opponent before the collision.
Race officials flagged the incident and stewards launched an investigation following the Sprint’s conclusion, eager to hear both sides of the story. After listening to the drivers, they handed out penalties to both for different actions during their battle.
Bearman was ruled to have driven “in a manner deemed potentially dangerous” on the approach to turn four, where the pair collided. He received a five-second time penalty and an additional penalty point, bringing his 12-month total to nine.
This leaves him precariously positioned just three points from triggering an automatic race suspension. Explaining the sanction, stewards said: “After losing momentum at the exit of turn three, Car 87 [Bearman] was approached by Car 30 [Lawson], which had greater speed and was in the process of drawing alongside on the straight towards turn four.
“As Car 30 attempted to move alongside, the driver of Car 87 moved to the left, leaving insufficient room and forcing Car 30 to place two wheels on the wet grass. Although Car 30 managed to keep control and avoid contact, this manoeuvre occurred at high speed and created an unnecessary risk.
READ MORE: Oscar Piastri crashes at Brazilian GP as Lando Norris takes full advantage in F1 title duel
“The stewards consider that the move of Car 87 constituted potentially dangerous driving. As no contact occurred and Car 30 was able to maintain control, and considering consistency with comparable previous cases, the Stewards deem a five-second time penalty and one penalty point to be appropriate and proportionate.”
Regarding the subsequent collision moments later, stewards ruled Lawson was responsible and handed him an identical penalty to Bearman, bringing the New Zealander’s total to eight penalty points. They said: “Car 30 attempted to overtake Car 87 on the inside while approaching and through turn four. After the apex, as both cars were exiting the corner, there was contact between the two cars.
“In turn four, Car 30, slightly offset alongside Car 87, moved slightly to the right, while Car 87, following the natural line of the left-hand corner, turned slightly towards Car 30. As a result, the left rear wheel of Car 87 became entangled with the right front wheel of Car 30, causing Car 87 to spin. Both cars were able to continue the race thereafter.
“Video evidence from circuit cameras and onboard footage did not clearly establish whether the front axle of Car 30 was at least momentarily alongside the rear-view mirror of Car 87 prior to the apex, let alone whether this overlap was maintained at the apex – as would be required under the Driving Standards Guidelines for an overtaking car on the inside to be entitled to racing room.
Sky Sports launches discounted Formula 1 package
£43
£35
Sky
Get Sky Sports here
Formula 1 fans can watch every practice, qualifying and race live with Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in a new deal that saves £192.
As well as Sky Sports access, this includes more than 100 TV channels and free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
“According to LAW, the collision was a direct consequence of the prior incident that happened on the straight between turn three and turn four, after which Car 30 was struggling with colder and damp left tyres. As a result. LAW stated that he experienced understeer, which caused his car to drift slightly towards BEA’s car and resulted in the contact between both cars.”
The stewards concluded that Lawson was chiefly responsible for the crash. However, they considered mitigating circumstances such as the track conditions, the fact that Lawson had colder, damp tyres and his front axle was nearly level with Car 87’s mirror. As a result, the stewards decided to halve the standard 10-second penalty to five seconds, along with one penalty point.
