Oliver Bearman allowed to race despite qualifying failure

Oliver Bearman will be allowed to start the Australian Grand Prix despite failing to qualify. The stewards granted permission after he reported a gearbox issue during qualifying, preventing him from setting a time. Under the '107 percent rule', drivers must set a qualifying time within 107 percent of the pole position time. Haas requested permission for Bearman to race, citing satisfactory practice times as evidence of his car's competitiveness. In the past, it was common for teams to fail to qualify, but this is now rare. Bearman is starting his first full season in Formula 1 after previously impressing in stand-in roles.