Imola Grand Prix Qualifying Delayed Amid FIA C…read more
The 2025 Imola Grand Prix qualifying session was thrown into disarray on Saturday following a dramatic sequence of red flags, contentious rulings, and a delayed restart. What was meant to be a routine qualifying session at the iconic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Italy quickly spiraled into chaos, prompting an official delay and a cloud of confusion for both teams and fans alike.
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, initially announced that qualifying would resume at 16:46 local time following a temporary stoppage in Q1 due to a crash. However, this timeline was upended as further scrutiny surrounded the results of the session, particularly concerning Haas driver Ollie Bearman’s final flying lap.
Q1 Drama: Red Flags and Lap Time Deletion
The first major disruption came early in Q1 when Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda suffered a high-speed crash. The Japanese driver’s car was heavily damaged, and although Tsunoda was reported to be uninjured, he was sent directly to the medical tent for precautionary checks. The incident led to the first red flag of the session and temporarily halted proceedings.
Once action resumed, the session continued under growing tension as drivers scrambled to set fast lap times before the next possible interruption. That interruption came sooner than expected when Alpine’s rookie driver Franco Colapinto crashed late in the session, triggering a second red flag. This late incident proved crucial in altering the qualifying fate of several drivers — most notably, Ollie Bearman.
Bearman, who had initially crossed the line with a time fast enough to progress into Q2, saw his lap time deleted following the red flag. This controversial call meant Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, was promoted into the top 15, edging Bearman out. The decision, however, wasn’t without dispute.
Controversy Erupts Over Timing of Bearman’s Lap
Shortly after the announcement of the revised qualifying order, questions emerged over the exact timing of Bearman’s lap relative to the red flag. While Haas believed Bearman completed his lap before the session was neutralized, the FIA maintained that he had crossed the line after the red flag was activated.
This led to further delays as stewards were forced to investigate the timing data and assess whether Bearman’s lap should be reinstated. Confusion deepened when Bortoleto was sent out on track by Sauber, despite the ongoing review and Bearman waiting in the garage.
Eventually, the FIA released an official statement clarifying the timeline: “The red flag was set at 16:32:17.6 seconds. Bearman crossed the line at 16:32:20.9 seconds with the abort signal/red flag showing on the start gantry.” This explanation confirmed that Bearman’s lap was completed after the red flag had been signaled and therefore remained invalid.
Bearman Reacts to Decision and Misses Q2
When qualifying resumed shortly before 4:00 PM local time, Bearman was ultimately left out of Q2, officially classified in 19th place. Speaking after the session, the British driver expressed frustration over the handling of the situation.
“I’m not sure why my lap wasn’t reinstated,” Bearman said. “I think they have enough to understand what happened and it’s a bit strange.”
The incident raised broader questions about the clarity and communication of red flag procedures in Formula 1. While timing data is precise, split-second decisions during chaotic moments on track can lead to confusion. The FIA’s response, though definitive, came after a prolonged delay that left fans, commentators, and teams in limbo.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
Despite the confusion, qualifying eventually concluded without further interruption. However, the ripple effects of the delay were felt throughout the paddock. Red Bull was left reeling after Tsunoda’s crash, and Bearman’s early exit marked a disappointing turn for Haas, who had shown promise earlier in the weekend.
As Formula 1 prepares for Sunday’s Grand Prix in Emilia-Romagna, all eyes will be on how the drivers bounce back from Saturday’s drama. With tempers flaring and tensions high, the Imola race promises to be a fiery contest, shaped in part by the controversial moments that marred qualifying.
