British F1 Star Faces Suspension Threat After Interlagos Incident
Oliver Bearman's Formula 1 future hangs in the balance after the British driver received a critical penalty during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend. The Haas F1 Team driver now sits just three penalty points away from an automatic race ban following his punishment for what stewards deemed "potentially dangerous" driving during Saturday's Sprint race.
The Controversial Clash with Lawson
The incident that could define Bearman's season unfolded on the opening lap of the Interlagos Sprint. Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson attempted to overtake the British competitor at turn four, resulting in dramatic contact that sent Bearman spinning. Both drivers immediately pointed fingers, with Bearman expressing fury at being spun around while Lawson insisted the Haas driver had forced him off track prior to the collision.
Race officials immediately flagged the incident for investigation, with stewards conducting a thorough review after the Sprint concluded. After hearing both drivers' accounts, officials determined that both Bearman and Lawson shared responsibility for different aspects of the battle, handing penalties to each driver.
Stewards Deliver Their Verdict
In their detailed explanation, stewards ruled that Bearman had moved left on the approach to turn four, leaving insufficient room for Lawson and forcing the Racing Bulls car to place two wheels on the wet grass. Although no contact occurred during this initial manoeuvre, stewards considered it "potentially dangerous driving" given the high speeds involved.
The subsequent collision moments later saw Lawson judged responsible, with stewards noting his colder, damp tyres contributed to understeer that caused his car to drift into Bearman's. Both drivers received identical five-second time penalties and one penalty point each, bringing Bearman's 12-month total to nine points and Lawson's to eight.
Bearman now faces an anxious wait, knowing that any further infractions could trigger an automatic one-race suspension under the FIA's penalty points system. With only three points separating him from a ban, the British driver must demonstrate impeccable discipline in the remaining races of the season.
