Oliver Bearman Criticizes F1 Rules, Advocates for FP1 Participation

Oliver Bearman, a promising young driver with the Haas F1 Team, recently expressed frustration over not participating in Free Practice 1 (FP1) during the Mexico Grand Prix. Formula 1’s regulations require teams to run rookie drivers on two occasions throughout the season, but Bearman’s prior experience at three races last year disqualified him from rookie status for FP1 this season.

Understanding the Regulations

The rules define a rookie as a driver who has not participated in more than two Grand Prix events. Bearman stepped in as a substitute for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Haas’s Kevin Magnussen, which placed him just outside the eligibility criteria this year.

Challenges at Mexico’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

• Nine out of ten teams opted to run a different driver in FP1.
• This decision was influenced by limited upgrades and the track’s dusty conditions.
• The high-downforce setup needed was straightforward due to the lower air density at the circuit.

As a result, Bearman had to cede his seat to Haas reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. Although Bearman had only driven the Mexico circuit once before, he felt that missing FP1 was a setback in his rookie season. “It’s tough. I shouldn’t have to give up FP1,” he lamented.

Reflections on Experience

Bearman even reflected on his past opportunities, suggesting that if he had not driven those three races, he would have been eligible for an FP1 this weekend. “I probably would have only done two races to get an FP1,” he noted, which could have potentially enhanced his performance at the circuit.

Qualifying Results

Despite his frustrations, Bearman demonstrated his talent during qualifying by outpacing his experienced teammate Esteban Ocon for the sixth consecutive time, reaching Q3 with a margin of just 0.050 seconds.

• He will start the race from ninth position due to a five-place grid penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz.
• Bearman expressed satisfaction with being in Q3, despite earlier struggles with the car’s handling.

His team is optimistic, with Bearman confident about his race pace, which he described as “really good” during Free Practice 2. He’s aware that the setup may pose challenges during qualifying but believes it positions him well for the race.

Conclusion

Oliver Bearman’s experiences underscore the challenges rookie drivers face in Formula 1. His commendable performance amidst regulatory hurdles highlights his potential as a formidable competitor in future races. With ongoing improvements to equipment and strategy, Bearman’s confidence could drive him further in the competitive world of Formula 1.