Bearman Puzzled by Sudden Pace Loss in São Paulo Q3 After Blistering Start

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman admitted he was left puzzled by a sudden drop in pace during the final segment of qualifying at the São Paulo Grand Prix, after a session that had promised much more based on his early speed. The young Briton, who impressed in Q1 and Q2 with times that briefly placed him among the frontrunners, will start Sunday’s race from eighth on the grid – a result that equals his best qualifying performance so far this season.

Why it matters:

• Oliver Bearman's P8 start for Sunday's São Paulo Grand Prix marks his best qualifying performance this season, highlighting his growing potential.
• His unexpected pace drop in Q3, however, raises questions about tire management and strategy for both Bearman and the Haas team.

The Details:

• Promising Start: Bearman showcased strong pace in Q1 and Q2, feeling confident and in control of the car, which performed exceptionally well in both high and low-speed sections.
• Q3 Struggle: Despite his strong earlier performance, Bearman found himself two-tenths slower in Q3 compared to his Q2 times, a discrepancy he couldn't fully explain.
• Tyre Conundrum: He suspected that tyre temperature might have played a role, suggesting that slightly faster out-laps in Q3 might have led to overheating the soft tyres, which many drivers reportedly found challenging.
• Team Progress: Bearman acknowledged the frustration of the Q3 drop-off but remained positive about the overall result and the significant progress of the Haas team, particularly after his fourth-place finish in Mexico.
• Focus Ahead: The immediate goal is to understand the Q3 performance dip, but Bearman is already looking forward to the race, confident in the car's current feel and performance.

What's next:

Bearman's impressive, albeit inconsistent, qualifying performance sets the stage for a compelling race. His ability to convert this P8 start into a strong points finish will be key for his rookie season.

• The team will be analyzing the Q3 data to understand the tyre temperature issues, which could provide crucial insights for future qualifying sessions.
• As Bearman continues to demonstrate maturity and speed, his long-term future with Haas and in Formula 1 looks increasingly promising.