Bearman Criticizes Stewards for Penalizing After Antonelli Incident

Oliver Bearman has publicly criticized the decision made by race stewards to impose a penalty on him during a recent race. The Haas driver received a 10-second time penalty for leaving the track while contending with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a rival driver from Mercedes, for track position.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred during a critical moment when Bearman and Antonelli were battling for position. Bearman veered off track at turn 15 after Antonelli attempted an inside overtaking maneuver. The stewards assessed that Antonelli had adequately positioned his car to execute a legitimate pass.

Stewards’ Ruling

• The stewards noted that Antonelli’s front axle was ahead of Bearman’s mirrors prior to the apex of turn 12.
• They determined that Antonelli was entitled to the full width of the track during the maneuver.
• The ruling concluded that Bearman’s departure from the track was unjustified, as Antonelli did not force him off.

Despite the stewards’ rationale, Bearman voiced his disagreement, arguing that he was unfairly pushed off the track. He expressed disbelief at the penalty, asking his team about the possibility of an investigation into the incident, and reacted with astonishment when informed of the 10-second penalty, stating, “What the hell? That is incredible.”

Reactions to the Penalty

Fan reactions to the penalty have varied. A recent poll has shown that opinions are split on whether the penalty was appropriate:

The debate around the penalty highlights the ongoing discussions about racing conduct and the role of stewards in enforcing rules during high-pressure situations. As Bearman continues to chase success in his racing career, this incident raises questions about the balance between fair competition and regulatory oversight.