Oliver Bearman’s ‘Crazy’ Strategy Sparks Monaco GP Comeback

Oliver Bearman will start the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix with a 10-place grid penalty after an incident during second practice in Monte Carlo. The Haas driver was penalized for overtaking Carlos Sainz under red flag conditions, a ruling the 19-year-old called “harsh.”

Bearman had just faced a separate penalty the previous weekend in Imola, where he saw his fastest qualifying lap erased and was knocked out in Q1. He voiced frustration after that decision, saying, “Even if it’s clearly wrong, they’re not going to turn back on it. And that seems a bit harsh.”

The most recent penalty followed an FIA report explaining that Bearman received the instruction to slow down “rather late” from Haas, but data also showed a light panel and dashboard warnings before he overtook Sainz. While the stewards disagreed that slowing down would be dangerous, the grid drop became the first 10-place penalty of its kind since 2012, when Pastor Maldonado received one for an avoidable crash.

Bearman’s situation stands out because Sainz was not penalized for his own red flag infringement earlier the same day. The Williams team successfully argued their case, while Bearman and Haas did not receive the same outcome. After qualifying, Bearman admitted he was disappointed but mentioned he does not want to “get too much into the details” and would instead focus on making the best of the race ahead.

The penalty puts Bearman far down the order for Sunday’s race, but it could enable Haas to try what Bearman called a “crazy” strategy. The 2025 Monaco GP will feature the first-ever mandatory two-stop format in Formula 1, creating a rare chance to climb the field by making bold tire and pit stop choices. The two-stop format in particular opens new strategic possibilities on this tight street circuit.

With nothing to lose, Bearman suggested the team could “take maximum risk to try something,” hinting at creative tactics to move up the order as others pit or get caught in traffic. Bearman also noted that his pace suggested a potential Q3 appearance was within reach, making the penalty more difficult to take. This unpredictable element adds to what some are calling the Monaco racing lottery.

However, his focus has shifted toward using his position to experiment and possibly gain an advantage as teams grapple with the new two-stop rule. Haas will now have more freedom to pick their strategy compared to rivals starting further forward and boxed in by the track’s narrow layout. For more insights into Monaco’s unique challenges, check out this analysis from Motorsport Magazine.

With the Monaco Grand Prix often decided by small margins and pit strategy, Bearman and Haas see an unlikely opportunity. The penalty, though frustrating, could open a path for a standout result if their plan pays off during race day’s pit cycles and traffic.

The 2025 F1 Monaco Grand Prix is set for Sunday, where all eyes will be on whether Bearman’s calculated risks can turn a difficult starting spot into a strong finish on the streets of Monte Carlo. For historical context on Monaco’s most dramatic races, visit the Formula 1 official archive.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.