IMOLA, Italy – Haas driver Oliver Bearman criticized the FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, after his fastest lap was deleted during qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to a late red flag.
Bearman said he didn’t see the red flag until “a long time after my finishing line.”
Qualifying was disrupted by two red flags in the first session (Q1). The first was caused by Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull, who crashed into a wall. The second came after a notable accident involving another driver.
The red flag ended Q1, just as bearman was completing a fast lap.
Bearman said he didn’t see the red flags until after he crossed the finish line, which would typically mean the lap would count. Though, the FIA ruled the flags appeared before Bearman completed the lap, invalidating it.
As a result, Bearman qualified in 19th position, behind Tsunoda, who did not set a time in the session.