In the recently concluded Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 driver Oliver Bearman, racing for Haas F1 team, secured the commendable eighth position, marking a significant shift in the team’s performance. This victory nudged the Haas team up to sixth place in the World Constructor Championship standings. However, the celebration of his success was slightly marred by an unexpected radio blunder.
During the race, Bearman, with evident elation, took over a Red Bull and an Alpine, jubilantly exclaiming “Ciao!” over the radio. Unbeknownst to him, his victorious declaration was broadcasted to the world through the official Formula 1 coverage. The revelation came during a post-race debrief with the F1TV crew, where Laura Winter and Jolyon Palmer humorously greeted him with a resounding “Ciao!”
Bearman, a tad embarrassed by the unexpected broadcast of his radio message, admitted to his faux pas. “I feel really bad now. I overtook someone and I said, ‘Ciao.’”, he confessed during the interview. Winter confirmed that the phrase was indeed repeated twice during the race.
Despite this minor hiccup, Bearman’s performance in the Chinese Grand Prix was a story of redemption. After a tumultuous start to the 2025 season with his full-season debut, including a crash during FP1 in Australia and a gearbox issue that prevented him from qualifying, Bearman’s prowess at the Chinese Grand Prix was a welcome change. His commendable performance was a result of the Haas team’s diligent work in addressing issues after the sprint race.
In a statement to Sky Sports F1, Bearman expressed his joy and satisfaction with his performance. He commended his team’s work, especially their decision to switch to a medium tire, which he admitted he was initially skeptical about.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Haas team can sustain this newfound momentum. Bearman acknowledged that the track in China was particularly suited to their car’s specifications, making it conducive to their performance. He emphasized the need for smooth tracks without many bumps, which he identified as a primary requirement for their car’s optimal performance.
Therefore, while this victory has undoubtedly boosted the morale of the Haas team, the real challenge lies in maintaining this winning streak. The team is hopeful and is now looking ahead to the next races, where they aim to replicate their success in China.