In the thrilling 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, the spotlight turned to a heated exchange as Alex Albon accused Haas rookie Oliver Bearman of dangerous driving, claiming, “this guy wants to kill me.”
The Bahrain Grand Prix saw an electrifying battle where Haas driver Oliver Bearman continued to impress by securing a crucial point, finishing tenth. This performance marked Bearman’s third consecutive points finish in the season, following his eighth-place in China and another tenth-place in Japan. However, his aggressive defense tactics, while earning him points, drew criticism from fellow competitor Alex Albon.
During the race, Albon, who faced his first scoreless finish of 2025, found himself in fierce competition with Bearman. As Albon maneuvered to overtake on the main straight, Bearman’s strategic positioning forced Albon to the outside at Turn 1. Albon’s race engineer, James Urwin, acknowledged the intensity, responding with a brief, “Yeah, copy.”
Albon’s challenges continued as he again attempted to pass Bearman, this time on the straight leading to Turn 4. Bearman’s defensive moves pushed Albon off-track, prompting Albon to describe Bearman’s tactics as “very dangerous.” Later, as Albon drew near Bearman with DRS assistance, he attempted an inside move at Turn 4, only for Bearman to make a late defensive jink. Albon’s frustration peaked, accusing Bearman of wanting “to kill me,” urging his team to escalate the issue to the FIA race director.
Bearman, speaking to media after the race, described the final laps as intense, likening it to his days in junior categories where drivers raced relentlessly. Despite the tension, Bearman expressed satisfaction with his hard-fought points finish, reflecting on the experience as reminiscent of competitive karting or Formula 2 battles, where every maneuver is crucial.
The Bahrain Grand Prix highlighted the tension and fierce rivalries that define Formula 1 racing. While Albon’s accusations underscored the high stakes and emotional intensity, Bearman’s determined defense showcased the competitive spirit that drives the sport. Both drivers exemplified the passion and dedication that keep fans glued to every turn of the track.