FIA responds to Bearman’s 50G crash at Suzuka – promises review

The FIA has reacted to Oliver Bearman’s dramatic 50G crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, an incident that has amplified concerns over the 2026 technical regulations and the risks created by extreme speed differences between cars.

The Haas driver was trailing Franco Colapinto on lap 21 when a sudden surge in closing speed forced the Briton to take evasive action, a move that sent him sideways at Spoon corner, skidding across the track and into the barriers.

Colapinto’s Alpine ahead was not actively harvesting energy at the time, so its rear-wing warning lights were off, yet the speed differential reached 45 km/h – enough to trigger the dramatic accident.

A long-standing concern

The crash reignited warnings drivers have been issuing since pre-season testing about the hazards created by energy management under the new regulations.

“There were a lot of big moments there in the first three laps while we were all sorting out our energies until our systems learned with the closing speeds we have with the boost button,” said Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Carlos Sainz.

“Even without using the boost button, sometimes your engine gives you a lot more speed than the guy in front, depending on where the other is on the energy. It was only a matter of time, the first big crash was going to happen.”

Sainz added in a Sky F1 interview: “We've been warning them [F1 and the FIA] about this happening. These kind of closing speeds and these kind of accidents were always going to happen, and I'm not very happy with what we've had up until now.

“Hopefully we come up with a better solution that doesn't create these massive closing speeds and a safer way of going racing.”

FIA reacts – outlines next steps

The FIA responded with a formal statement acknowledging the role of high closing speeds in Bearman’s accident and stressing the ongoing review of the new regulations.

“Since their introduction, the 2026 regulations have been the subject of ongoing discussions between the FIA, teams, power unit manufacturers, drivers and FOM. By design, these regulations include a number of adjustable parameters, particularly in relation to energy management, which allow for optimisation based on real-world data.

“It has been the consistent position of all stakeholders that a structured review would take place after the opening phase of the season, to allow for sufficient data to be gathered and analysed.

“A number of meetings are therefore scheduled in April to assess the operation of the new regulations and to determine whether any refinements are required.

“Any potential adjustments, particularly those related to energy management, require careful simulation and detailed analysis.

“The FIA will continue to work in close and constructive collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for the sport and safety will always remain a core element of the FIA's mission.

“At this stage, any speculation regarding the nature of potential changes would be premature. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

• Read also: ‘Sitting duck’ Colapinto sounds alarm over F1 speed gaps

Bearman’s crash is the first real-world test of the dangers posed by mismatched electrical boosts, highlighting how quickly a seemingly minor speed differential can turn into a life-threatening incident.

With the FIA promising a review and Bearman recovering, the incident is a stark reminder that technological innovation in Formula 1 must be balanced with driver safety as the sport enters a new era of high-speed, energy-managed racing.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook