F1’S ROOKIE RULE IN THE CROSSHAIRS: JENSON BUTTON RALLIES BEHIND OLLIE BEARMAN’S COMPLAINTS!
In an explosive turn of events at the heart of the Formula 1 racing community, Haas driver Ollie Bearman has ignited a heated debate regarding F1’s controversial rookie rules. The British sensation took to the media stage at the Mexican Grand Prix, voicing his frustrations about having to relinquish his seat during crucial practice sessions. The uproar has garnered the attention of none other than F1 legend Jenson Button, who has openly supported Bearman’s stance on social media, stating simply, “I agree.”
The backdrop? A major overhaul of the rookie regulations ahead of the upcoming 2025 season. In a bid to provide fresh talent with ample track time, F1 has mandated that teams field two rookies per car throughout the season. However, this well-intentioned rule has backfired spectacularly for Bearman, who, despite being in his first full season, is disqualified from the rookie classification due to his participation in three races last year.
At the iconic Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where nine rookies took to the track during FP1, Bearman lamented the necessity of surrendering his seat to Ryo Hirakawa. “It’s a tough track, and I probably underestimated how important it is to even do FP1,” Bearman expressed. “In my position, I should be able to do FP1 in a weekend like this, but the fact is that I have to give it up.”
Bearman’s grievances are not just about one missed session; they speak to a larger issue at play within the sport. “If I was to repeat the season, I’d probably do it at tracks that I know a lot more, like Abu Dhabi and stuff like that,” he added, hinting at the competitive disadvantage faced by drivers in similar situations. “I shouldn’t even be in this situation where I’m having to give up FP1s.”
The rookie’s candid remarks reveal a profound frustration with a system that seems to stifle his growth and development. In a bold admission, Bearman even suggested that he wished he hadn’t raced in those three F1 events last year, stating, “I probably would have only done two races to get an FP1 this weekend, and maybe we could have been a little bit faster today.”
With Button’s endorsement echoing in the background, the question remains: will F1 officials heed these complaints and consider a revision of the rookie rules for the 2026 season? As Bearman made it through to Q3 and secured a commendable P10 starting position, it’s clear that he possesses the skill and talent to shine on the world stage.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is for certain: the conversation around F1’s rookie regulations is just heating up, and it is not going unnoticed. Stay tuned as this riveting saga develops, with all eyes on the powers that be in Formula 1.
