Ollie Bearman Edges Closer to Race Ban After Fresh FIA Penalty at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Haas driver Ollie Bearman has found himself in a precarious position heading into next season after receiving yet another penalty point during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, pushing him dangerously close to an automatic Formula 1 race ban. The young British rookie, regarded as one of the sport’s most promising talents, now sits on 10 penalty points, just two away from the mandatory 12-point threshold that triggers a one-race suspension.
The latest incident unfolded during his on-track battle with Lance Stroll. While defending his position on the approach to Turn 9, Bearman made multiple changes of direction—a defensive move prohibited under Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2(b) of the FIA International Sporting Code. That rule strictly forbids drivers from weaving more than once to block a rival, as such manoeuvres can create unsafe conditions at high speed.
Following the stewards’ review, Bearman was handed a five-second time penalty, which dropped him down the order and left him finishing the race in P12, outside the points. In addition to the time penalty, he also received one penalty point, which now brings his total to double digits.
What makes the situation even more worrying for Bearman is that none of his existing points will expire until at least May next year. FIA penalty points remain on a driver’s licence for 12 months, meaning Bearman must navigate the early part of next season with extraordinary caution. With only two points of leeway, the Haas star is effectively one incident away from earning a race ban—an extremely rare and damaging outcome in modern Formula 1.
Other Drivers Also Hit With Penalty Points in Abu Dhabi
Bearman was not the only driver caught in disciplinary trouble over the Abu Dhabi weekend. The FIA was notably strict following several aggressive on-track clashes across the grid.
Lance Stroll also received a five-second penalty and a penalty point for making more than one defensive move during his scrap with Carlos Sainz on the same straight heading into Turn 9. The Aston Martin driver mirrored Bearman’s infraction almost identically, drawing the ire of the stewards.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, representing Racing Bulls, was deemed responsible for erratic driving, which earned him both a time penalty and an additional penalty point. His behaviour on track was assessed as unpredictable and potentially hazardous, prompting the FIA to take action.
Yuki Tsunoda also left the final race of the season with an extra penalty point. The Japanese driver’s overly aggressive defence against Lando Norris resulted in Norris being forced off the track during their confrontation. Tsunoda ultimately received a five-second penalty, adding another point to his growing FIA tally.
These decisions collectively reshaped the penalty point standings as the F1 paddock closes out the year.
Updated Penalty Point Standings After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Below is the current list of drivers and their penalty points following the Abu Dhabi finale:
Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 10
Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 8
Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 6
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 6
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 4
Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 4
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 4
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 3
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 3
Alex Albon (Williams) – 3
Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 2
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 2
Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1
Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 1
Drivers with zero penalty points: George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Isack Hadjar, Nico Hülkenberg, Lando Norris.
Growing Pressure on Bearman Ahead of 2026 Season
Bearman’s situation now places significant pressure on both the driver and the Haas team. Any minor infraction—whether it be causing a collision, weaving, or unsafe driving—could tip him over the limit and force a race ban early in the season. Such a consequence would not only disrupt his momentum but could also affect Haas’ long-term development strategy, especially as they rely heavily on Bearman’s talent.
The FIA’s decisions in Abu Dhabi underline their commitment to enforcing clean, predictable racing—particularly during wheel-to-wheel battles. As the new season approaches, Bearman must adjust his approach and refine his defensive techniques to avoid the risk of suspension.
With heightened scrutiny now on him, every race start, overtaking attempt, and defensive move will matter. The 2026 season may prove as much a test of discipline as of speed.
