Ollie Bearman has expressed regret over F1 radio messages during the Chinese Grand Prix, believing they appeared “disrespectful” and “rude.”
As he separately passed Liam Lawson and Jack Doohan at the Turn 14 hairpin, Bearman radioed in, ‘Ciao!’ on each occasion before finishing 10th at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The 19-year-old was later promoted to eighth following the disqualifications of Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, giving Haas a 14-point haul as team-mate Esteban Ocon jumped to a stunning fifth.
The race completed a remarkable turnaround for Haas from its Australian disaster after Bearman crashed twice in practice before suffering a gearbox failure on his first qualifying lap.
Reflecting on his messages post-race, however, Bearman explained their origin, although additionally recognised how they may have been interpreted.
“It was literally in the moment, and I feel really bad now because I wasn’t being disrespectful,” Bearman told media including RacingNews365.
“I was just happy and wanted to share it with the team, but I wouldn’t do it again.
“I was really happy because it is tough to overtake in F1, and especially at the moment, we are struggling with top speed, so you really have to build up to overtake for two or three laps and be really smart.
“It is not like you just go for it, I’m building up for two or three laps prior and using my battery correctly and stuff, so I get one shot to overtake.
“Then I have to recharge my battery for another three or four laps, so when it does actually come, it is a huge relief.
“The two overtakes I did when I said that whilst doing the switchback, which is always fun, I wasn’t trying to be rude.”
