Bearman Nears Potential Race Ban After Penalty in Abu Dhabi Finale

Oliver Bearman will head into the 2026 Formula 1 season perilously close to receiving a race ban, after another penalty in Abu Dhabi brought his super licence tally to 10 points.

The incident occurred during the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, where Bearman found himself battling with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. Stewards ruled that Bearman made “more than one change of direction to defend his position,” prompting an investigation.

He was issued a five-second time penalty, dropping him out of the points, and received an additional penalty point on his super licence. With 12 points in any 12-month period resulting in an automatic race ban, Bearman now sits just two points shy of suspension. His earliest expiring points will not clear until midway through the Canadian Grand Prix weekend next May.

The rule has already grounded one driver: Kevin Magnussen became the first to receive a race ban under the system in 2024, which opened the door for Bearman’s initial Haas debut.

Following the race, Bearman expressed frustration with the decision.

“I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to break the tow anymore, so that’s strange,” he told media. “I’m not sure why I was penalised. I moved to break the tow, which is one thing, and then defended my position. I left Lance space. Some of these rulings, we need to understand why they were made.”

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Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

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