- The 19-year-old British driver is set to race for Haas in Formula One next season
- Albon is hoping to improve on his 16th-place finish at the USA GP last weekend
- Drivers are in Mexico as the calendar reaches its decisive races this year
Ollie Bearman’s practice session lasted just 20 minutes as he was hit by Alex Albon in a debris-strewn crash in practice for the Mexican Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old Briton, who will drive for Haas next season, pulled over off the racing line while on a slow lap to let Albon’s Williams through at the sweeping Turn 10 chicane.
It seems Albon had not expected to find the red car where it was, and as he rounded the turn got a slap of oversteer in lifting. He caught Beaman’s crawling car on its left-hand side.
Both stricken machines were lifted off the track, with the Williams severely bruised on impact and finally nestled in the tyre wall. The session was red-flagged.
Both drivers were unharmed, and Bearman rode back as pillion on the motorbike that came to collect him.
Alex Albon collided with Ollie Bearman shortly after the latter began his practice session at the Mexico Grand Prix
Williams team principal James Vowles said Albon lost the car on the apex of the corner
Albon initially labelled Bearman an idiot, though the 19-year-old appeared to take up an appropriate position on track
The stewards said they would investigate the incident, which looked to be down to a misunderstanding.
Abon called Bearman an ‘idiot’ – though that seemed a partial view to say the least, given that the Englishman was not remotely in his path.
Williams team principal James Vowles said: ‘Frustrated. We need to see what the reasoning was behind it. Alex had to back out of it and lost the car on the apex.
‘The car doesn’t really step out there. He lifted off because he saw the other car.
‘As long as the chassis is OK, we will be fine for FP2. If the chassis is damaged, it’s a bit more significant in terms of time.’
George Russell collided with the barriers after losing control of his Mercedes during the second practice session
The British driver’s Mercedes suffered significant damage during the collision, which resulted in the third reg flag of the day
The pair were not the only ones to do major damage to their cars on Friday, as George Russell, who topped the standings at the end of the first practice session, suffered a heavy crash into the barriers.
The British driver was taken to the medical centre after losing control of his Mercedes at turn eight after getting on the outside kerb. Russell was able to walk away from the vehicle, though he left with his left arm clutched to his stomach.