Oliver Bearman criticised by Ferrari colleague after Alex Albon crash at Mexico City Grand Prix

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Oliver Bearman’s second opportunity in a Ferrari Formula 1 car did not go to plan as he crashed with Alex Albon at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Brit will be joining the F1 grid full-time in 2025 with Haas alongside Esteban Ocon. Bearman has competed in two Grand Prix in 2024 with Ferrari in Jeddah and with his future team in Baku, finishing seventh and 10th respectively.

Ahead of his full-time switch to the pinnacle of motorsport, the 18-year-old was handed another appearance with Ferrari in FP1 in Mexico City in Charles Leclerc’s SF-24. However, his session came to an end rather abruptly after a heavy accident with Albon.

The Williams appeared to lose the back end of his car exiting turn 11, where he collided with the front left tyre of Bearman who was off the racing line. Albon was sent into the barriers while the Ferrari also retired from the session due to the significant damage sustained to the front left.

Albon was heard calling Bearman an ‘idiot’ over the team radio as he appeared to put responsibility on the teenager. But F1 fans were not impressed with Albon’s comments as they put the blame on the Williams driver for the incident.

But not everyone agreed that Albon was responsible, as even some people within the Ferrari setup were critical of Bearman’s action.

Robert Shwartzman was left ‘animated’ by Oliver Bearman’s crash with Alex Albon

Along with Bearman getting his chance in FP1, Ferrari also handed an appearance to Robert Shwartzman with Sauber. The 25-year-old is currently competing with the Maranello squad in the World Endurance Championship.

Shwartzman has acted as Ferrari’s test and reserve driver since 2022 and at the Mexico City Grand Prix, the Israeli driver finished FP1 in 19th place, only going faster than Bearman due to his accident earlier in the session.

And Shwartzman seemed to be unimpressed by his Ferrari colleague and his involvement in the crash with Albon.

F1 reporter Chris Medland wrote on X: “Shwartzman was very animated on team radio saying “I think Bearman did something to someone” – they’re both currently in the FDA but Bearman driving the Ferrari…

“And Shwartzman has been noted for overtaking under yellow flags in that incident.”

Does Robert Shwartzman stand a chance of racing in F1 in 2025?

With Shwartzman’s appearance in FP1, it could be that the 25-year-old is under consideration for the vacant Sauber seat. The Swiss team are the only outfit yet to confirm their two drivers for the 2025 season.

Sauber have already confirmed Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-year deal that will see him become an Audi works driver when they enter the sport in 2026.

Valtteri Bottas is the favourite to retain his seat for next year, but a potential return to Mercedes is also on the cards as a reserve driver.

Gabriel Bortoleto is also a candidate for Sauber but McLaren will be unwilling to let him go permanently to the team. Franco Colapinto has been told to keep up his performances with Williams for him to earn his spot with the Swiss team next year.