Ollie Bearman is within two points of an automatic ban with one race to collide with Carlos Sainz during the Italian Grand Prix.
De Haas Rookie tried to defend himself from Sainz in the Roggia Chicane – runs 4 and 5 – and held the inner line while the Williams went for the brake zone. While Sainz came in, the Bearman tried to keep next to the Spaniard, but could not hold a tight line on the inside of the corner, which resulted in contact that both cars turned.
Bearman received a time penalty of 10s in the race, as well as two penalty points, which bring his total up to 10 for the 12 -month period. His first penalty points do not expire until after the Grand Prix of Mexico City, which means that he now has four races – in Baku, Singapore, Austin and Mexico City – to navigate safely to prevent the extra two points that would cause a suspension.
“Auto no. 55 (Sainz) tried to catch up with Auto no. 87 (Bearman) on the outside in turn 4 and had its front axle for the front axle of Auto no. 87 at the top, so that the right to the racing line was earned,” read the decision of the stewards.
“The driver of Auto No. 87 defended his position on the inside instead of giving up the position and caused the collision. The stewards stipulate that the driver of Auto no. 87 has mainly failed and therefore the standard punishment for such incidents is applied.”
If Bearman earns a penalty, Haas currently has Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve administrator, but may also be able to rely on Ferrari Reserve Options Zhou Guanyu and Antonio Giovinazi.
The penalty means that the Bearman is now the nearest driver of a racer on the current schedule, with Max Verstappen another point behind for the next four races.
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