Formula 1 has returned to discussing safety after the heavy crash of Haas driver Oliver Bearman at the Japanese GP. The FIA released an official statement after the 50G impact, indicating that possible rule changes are still being evaluated with caution.
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The accident reignited concerns about the high speed differentials caused by energy management, a topic that had already been raised by the majority of drivers. The entity highlighted that any change will depend on simulations and detailed analysis before a final decision.
The incident in Suzuka occurred on lap 21, when Bearman was rapidly approaching Alpine’s Franco Colapinto at Spoon curve. While Colapinto was performing energy recovery, Bearman was using the battery, resulting in a large speed difference between the two cars.
The Briton lost control after destroying a braking marker board and hit the wall sideways with force. Despite the violence of the impact, Bearman managed to get out of the car unaided, although he was seen limping and holding his right leg and ankle.
Bearman was then taken to the medical center for examinations, including an X-ray, which ruled out fractures. The FIA confirmed that Bearman suffered some significant bruising after the high-speed impact, but without major consequences for the young driver.
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After the race, Carlos Sainz, Williams driver and director of the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association), stated that drivers’ concerns regarding speed differences had not been considered since the beginning of the year, highlighting that changes had only been made to the power rules for qualifying sessions. This statement increased pressure on the FIA to evaluate possible adjustments.
In the official statement, the entity explained that the 2026 regulations have been discussed since their introduction between the FIA, teams, power unit manufacturers, drivers, and FOM. According to the text, these regulations were designed with adjustable parameters, especially related to energy management, allowing for optimizations based on real data.
The FIA also informed that meetings are scheduled for April, with the aim of evaluating the functioning of the new rules and determining if adjustments will be necessary. The entity stated in a release: “Any potential adjustment, particularly those related to energy management, requires careful simulations and detailed analysis,” adding that further updates will be released at the appropriate time.
Read more F1: Bearman suffers heavy crash and goes to medical center
