Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Former world champion Nico Rosberg has defended Haas driver Oliver Bearman following a controversial penalty at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix. Bearman received a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points for a collision with Williams’ Carlos Sainz, putting the rookie on the brink of a race ban.
Controversial Incident at Monza
The incident occurred at Monza’s Turn 4/5 chicane, where Sainz attempted an overtake on the outside. Bearman, defending the inside line, made contact with Sainz, causing both cars to spin. The stewards deemed Bearman at fault for not yielding, citing FIA guidelines that grant the racing line to an attacking car if its front axle is ahead at the apex.
Rosberg disagreed, arguing that Sainz should have left more space for Bearman, who had half a car’s length alongside.
“Oliver Bearman had half a car’s length in there! It’s not just a front wing. Why didn’t Carlos Sainz leave some space? If he had, the collision could have been avoided,” Rosberg said on Sky F1.
Support from Jamie Chadwick
Rosberg’s view was echoed by British driver Jamie Chadwick, who called the penalty unfair. She compared the incident to a similar clash between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson at the same chicane.
“It shouldn’t have been a 10-second penalty for Bearman. I don’t know where he was supposed to go. Sainz could have given more room to avoid the incident,” Chadwick stated.
Threat of a Race Ban
With the additional two penalty points, Bearman now has 10 points on his superlicence within a 12-month period, just two shy of the 12-point threshold for a one-race ban. He must navigate the next four races—Azerbaijan, Singapore, the United States, and Mexico—without further penalties to avoid suspension. His first points expire on November 2, 2025, after the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Bearman expressed disappointment, noting his pace was strong enough for a points finish. “The car felt great, we were quick today. Without the incident, we could have scored points,” he said.
Implications and Future Outlook
The controversy underscores the challenges Bearman faces as a rookie in his debut season with Haas. Despite showing competitive pace, the penalty adds pressure to perform cleanly in upcoming races. Support from Rosberg and Chadwick highlights a broader sentiment that the stewards’ decision was overly harsh, particularly in the context of intense midfield battles.
Meanwhile, Ferrari remained a focal point at Monza, with tifosi offering strong support for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, despite their fourth and sixth-place finishes.
Nico Rosberg’s defense of Oliver Bearman highlights controversy over the Italian Grand Prix 2025 penalty. With a potential race ban looming, Bearman faces a critical phase in his rookie season. For more updates, visit Sportrik.
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