F1: Oliver Bearman won’t change racing style before Melbourne F1 GP

Bearman currently has 10 penalty points on his FIA super licence within a 12-month period. If a driver reaches 12 points, they receive an automatic one-race suspension.

The rule caught out his former team-mate Kevin Magnussen in 2024, a situation that helped open the door for Bearman’s earlier appearance with Haas.

Bearman’s latest penalty point came during the 2025 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a defensive battle with Lance Stroll. Stewards ruled that he had moved more than once to defend his position, handing him a five-second time penalty and an extra licence point.

That result left the 20-year-old dangerously close to the limit. He now needs to get through six grands prix before the first of those points expires during the weekend of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Despite the risk, Bearman said he would not change the way he drives.

“I’m not a dirty driver,” he told reporters ahead of the race weekend in Melbourne. “No, it doesn’t change, to be honest. As drivers we discussed it with the FIA and felt penalty points were handed out quite easily last year. They shouldn’t come for every single infringement.”

Still, Bearman admitted he was fully aware of the situation.

“Of course I know I’m on the edge, and of course I don’t want a race ban. I have to keep that in mind, that’s for sure.”

Several of his previous points came from red-flag incidents in 2025, including mistakes during practice sessions in Monaco and at Silverstone. Bearman acknowledged those errors and said they had been important lessons.

“I gave away a few points quite stupidly last year,” he said. “Those mistakes I will never make again. I learned the hard way, and I’m much more mature and experienced now.”

The 2026 Formula 1 season begins on 8 March in Melbourne, where Bearman will attempt to start the year strongly — while staying just the right side of the stewards’ notebook.