Bearman angry at himself for 10-place home grid drop

SILVERSTONE, England - Haas rookie Oliver Bearman had the best qualifying of his fledgling Formula One career at his first home British Grand Prix on Saturday but mostly felt anger and sadness.

The 20-year-old was eighth fastest in a car with a new upgrade package but will start 18th after collecting a 10-place grid penalty in final practice for failing to respect red flags.

Bearman was also given four penalty points, taking his tally to eight for the 12-month period. Twelve points triggers an automatic race ban.

It was the second 10-place drop Bearman has collected in 12 races this season, with the other coming in Monaco.

"We actually had a very, very strong qualifying and the car was feeling great, the best it's ever felt for me," he told reporters. "Then, of course, I'm really disappointed in myself because I've let my team down today.

"It's not a relief," he said of being able to put in such a performance.

"I'm still angry at myself and very sad, but I'm glad at least that we could show the good thing today was that we have a quick car in qualifying trim, which hasn't been the case more recently."

The Briton caused the first of two red-flag periods in Saturday's practice at Silverstone when his car shed some bodywork, with the second stoppage due to Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto crashing.

Stewards heard from Bearman after practice and said in a statement he had slowed for the second red flags but accelerated to race pace and entered the pit entry road at 260kph.

Bearman then lost control of the car and hit the barriers.

"I didn't account for the cold brakes and tyres. So, yeah, silly error, one that shouldn't happen at this level," said the driver. "Just a misjudgement from my side, really." REUTERS