Williams driver Carlos Sainz has urged Formula 1’s governing body to address safety concerns raised by Oliver Bearman’s high-impact crash during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
The incident unfolded on lap 22 as Haas rookie Bearman attempted to overtake Alpine’s Franco Colapinto heading into Spoon Curve. Colapinto, who was not actively harvesting energy, slowed suddenly on the flat-out run, creating a closing speed of around 45km/h with Bearman traveling at 308km/h. Bearman swerved to avoid contact, ran onto the inside grass, skidded back across the track through the run-off area, and struck the barriers sideways in a 50G impact that scattered debris and triggered a safety car deployment.
Bearman climbed gingerly from the wreckage, limping to the trackside before marshals assisted him to the medical center. Haas confirmed he suffered a right knee contusion but no fractures after x-rays, excusing him from post-race media obligations. Colapinto, who finished 16th, expressed relief that Bearman was unharmed.
Sainz, speaking as a Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director, highlighted that drivers had repeatedly warned F1 and the FIA about risks from the 2026 technical regulations. These rules allow adjustable energy management parameters, leading to unpredictable speed differentials when cars lift and coast to harvest battery power at the end of straights. In a drivers’ meeting at Suzuka, single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis indicated changes for the Miami round in early May, including a 350kph super clip to reduce lift-and-coast maneuvers.
The FIA issued a statement acknowledging ongoing discussions with teams, power unit manufacturers, drivers, and Formula One Management since the regulations’ introduction. It confirmed April meetings to review data from the season’s opening phase and assess potential refinements for safer racing.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu described the closing speed as “scary,” emphasizing Bearman’s evasive action. Bearman, who started 18th and was battling for 17th, enters the next race fifth in the drivers’ standings after a solid season start. The crash elevates safety debates amid the new regs, with Sainz stressing the dangers on street circuits where margins are tighter. The FIA’s review could shape energy deployment rules, impacting overtaking strategies and race pace across the grid.
Here’s the moment Bearman went into the barriers at Spoon #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/XmurXApWkp
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 29, 2026
