Oliver Bearman Speaks Out on Max Verstappen Race Ban

Oliver Bearman has echoed Max Verstappen’s recent criticism of Formula 1’s penalty points system, arguing that current regulations are overly harsh and may discourage competitive racing.



The 20-year-old British driver pointed to the case of Kevin Magnussen as an example of the system’s flaws, calling for a more balanced approach to penalising drivers.



Verstappen Close to Ban Amid Rising Points Total



Three-time world champion Max Verstappen currently sits on eleven penalty points, just one short of triggering an automatic race ban.



Though Verstappen has downplayed the risk, he has openly expressed frustration with the system, suggesting that it penalises drivers too heavily for minor infractions.



He believes the sport is becoming unnecessarily complicated due to excessive regulation.



Bearman has now joined Verstappen in that assessment.



Bearman: “It’s a Little Bit Harsh”



Speaking to media including GPblog, Bearman said he believes the current points structure is too strict.



“I agree,” Bearman stated.



“I think it’s a little bit harsh to see drivers getting race bans for trying to create action.”



He referred specifically to Kevin Magnussen, who served a suspension that ultimately opened the door for Bearman to race in Formula 1.



“I think we saw Kevin last year get a race ban, although it obviously helped me,” he said.



“I felt like he was really hard done by to have had that race ban for all of these tiny infractions.”



Criticism Despite Personal Benefit



Bearman’s remarks are notable given that he directly benefited from Magnussen’s absence.



The young Briton was called up to race for Haas in Azerbaijan as Magnussen’s replacement.



Earlier in the season, he also stepped in at Ferrari when Carlos Sainz was sidelined, and he would go on to sub again for Magnussen in Brazil.



Despite those opportunities, Bearman emphasized that the penalties seemed excessive.



“He tries an overtake and it doesn’t work,” Bearman said, describing one of Magnussen’s incidents.



“They both cut the corner, it’s no harm, no foul, everyone keeps going.”



Cumulative Points Add Pressure on Drivers



Bearman pointed out that the nature of F1’s penalty points system means minor penalties can quickly accumulate.



“No dangerous manoeuvres, no damage and two penalty points, and those add up quickly, so it’s a shame,” he said.



He acknowledged that some form of discipline is necessary, but suggested that the system currently lacks nuance.



“Of course, drivers need to be punished in some way to stop them from doing some things,” he said.



“But yeah, I think the balance needs to be there.”



Strong Season for Bearman Despite System Flaws



Despite the ongoing debate over penalties, Bearman is enjoying a breakthrough year in Formula 1.



He has made multiple Grand Prix appearances in 2024 and already scored six points for the season.



His consistent performances have made him one of the most talked-about young talents on the grid.



Still, Bearman’s recent comments make it clear that even new drivers are concerned about how enforcement policies may impact racing.



With Verstappen just one point away from suspension, the pressure is now on the FIA to revisit the system before it begins to alter the championship narrative.
The post Oliver Bearman Speaks Out on Max Verstappen Race Ban appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk .