FIA clarifies the elimination of Bearman's Q2 worthy lap

20:30, 17 May

byNorberto Mujica

Oliver Bearman was excluded from Q2 due to his final push lap in Q1, which would've been enough to advance to the next session, being deleted. The FIA has clarified why the British driver's lap was eliminated.

Bearman was highly critical of his elimination in Q1, which he considered to be clearly wrong.

The FIA has now come forward with a statement explaining why the Haas F1 driver's time did not stand at the end of Q1.

"In relation to the Oliver Bearman situation in Q1, the red flag was set at 16:32.17.6 seconds," the FIA communication reads.

Formula 1 World Championship 2025, Round 7, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy, Saturday 17 May 2025 - Oliver Bearman (GBR) Haas VF-25.

Bearman crossed the line 3 seconds too late

"Bearman crossed the line at 16:32.20.9 seconds with the abort signal / red flag showing on the start gantry," so, Bearman crossed the line 3 seconds after the red flag appeared on the start gantry.

"Qualifying 2 was delayed to enable the Stewards to consult the relevant timing experts and examine the underlining data to satisfy themselves that the timing system data was valid and it was therefore right to proceed."

"The overriding objective was to determine whether or not Bearman had completed the lap before or after the red flag and whether the lap should be disallowed, to ensure the right drivers progressed to Qualifying 2," the statement concluded.