Oliver Bearman has backed Haas’ call to pit him a second time in the Mexico City Grand Prix, despite it costing him the chance to take a maiden podium in Formula 1.
Bearman crowned a marvellous weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez with a career-high fourth-place finish that also equalled Haas’ best-ever result in F1.
Starting ninth, Bearman gained three places on the opening lap and then capitalised on a squabble involving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to move up to third.
But while he had continued to keep drivers in quicker cars at bay, Bearman ceded a spot to Verstappen when Haas opted to cover those behind with a second pitstop.
The Briton, though, has insisted that he could understand the side’s decision to sacrifice a potential podium, citing that it was important to ensure it scored big points.
“At points on that Medium, I was, from what we understood, I was bringing a tyre to the end until I got called to box,” Bearman told media including Motorsport Week.
“I need to look back at exactly what happened.
“But it would have been a bit risky trying to stay out and go for the podium and potentially finish sixth or seventh.
“I think we made the right choice by consolidating, even if it maybe stopped us from having the chance of a podium. But we finished fourth still, so it’s not bad.”
Asked whether he was aware he had matched Haas’ greatest result, last achieved at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix, Bearman replied: “Yeah, but I was looking for third.
“So, I was looking for Haas’ first podium. That was my goal. But no, fourth is great as well, and two cars in the points. That’s a great point for all of us.”
Haas on the rise in the championship
Bearman’s 12-point haul, along with team-mate Esteban Ocon finishing ninth, was enough to move Haas above Sauber into eighth in the Constructors’ Championship.
“Every single point in the Constructors is super valuable, and that can’t be denied,” he added.
“So to jump back up into eighth is great, and we keep our eyes forward for the next four races.”
READ MORE – Why Oliver Bearman was ‘s***ing myself’ during Max Verstappen battle in F1 Mexico GP
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