Bearman close to race ban after Sainz clash at Monza

Ollie Bearman is within two points of an automatic one-race ban after colliding with Carlos Sainz during the Italian Grand Prix.

The Haas rookie was trying to defend from Sainz into the Roggia chicane – Turns 4 and 5 – and held the inside line as the Williams moved ahead before the braking zone. As Sainz turned in, Bearman attempted to keep alongside the Spaniard but was unable to hold a tight enough line on the inside of the corner, resulting in contact that sent both cars spinning.

Bearman was given a 10s time penalty in the race as well as two penalty points, that bring his total up to 10 for the 12 month period. His first penalty points don’t expire until after the Mexico City Grand Prix, meaning he now has four races – in Baku, Singapore, Austin and Mexico City – to safely navigate to avoid picking up the extra two points that would trigger a suspension.

“Car No. 55 (Sainz) attempted to overtake Car No. 87 (Bearman) on the outside into Turn 4 and had its front axle ahead of the front axle of Car No. 87 at the apex, thereby earning the right to the racing line,” the stewards’ decision read. 

“The driver of Car No. 87 defended his position on the inside instead of giving up the position and caused the collision. The Stewards determine that the driver of Car No. 87 is predominantly at fault and therefore the standard penalty for such incidents is applied.”

Should Bearman earn a penalty, Haas currently has Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve driver, but could potentially call upon Ferrari reserve options Zhou Guanyu and Antonio Giovinazzi as well.

The penalty means Bearman is now the closest driver to a race ban on the current grid, with Max Verstappen one further point behind for the next four races as well.