Oliver Bearman has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the stewards’ decision to impose a 10-second penalty during a recent race. The Haas driver faced the penalty for leaving the track while fiercely contesting position with rival Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.
The incident occurred at turn 15 when Antonelli attempted an overtaking maneuver on Bearman. After the stewards reviewed the situation, they determined that Antonelli had rightfully established his position alongside Bearman before reaching the apex of the turn. Consequently, they concluded that Bearman had left the track while defending his position and subsequently rejoined in front of Antonelli, thus gaining an advantage.
The stewards’ detailed report stated that Antonelli’s move was legitimate, highlighting that he had the right to utilize the full width of the track as Bearman went off. They determined that Antonelli did not maliciously force Bearman off the track and that the advantage gained by Bearman from leaving the track led to the penalty.
However, Bearman strongly disagreed with this ruling, stating that Antonelli had effectively pushed him off the track, claiming, “From my point of view, I felt like that was not a punishable offence. I don’t think I was in the wrong by staying where I was there.” His reaction to the penalty was one of disbelief, exclaiming, “What the hell? That is incredible.”
The debate surrounding the penalty has stirred mixed opinions among fans. A recent poll indicated a divided sentiment, with 47% of voters deeming the penalty correct, while 53% felt it was either too harsh or slightly unfair.
Such incidents underline the intense competitiveness in racing and the critical role stewards play in maintaining fair play on the track. As drivers continue to navigate the complexities of overtaking and positioning, it highlights the fine line between aggressive racing and rule violations. The outcome of this ruling may resonate with other drivers as they strategize while racing, particularly when battling for critical points in the championship standings.