Oliver Bearman’s heavy crash for Haas at the Formula 1 Japanese GP has once again brought up discussions about safety in the category. Carlos Sainz harshly criticized the FIA, stating that warnings made by drivers were ignored before the 50G impact in Suzuka.
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Sainz, who is also a director of the drivers’ association (GPDA), expressed concern about the speed differences caused by the new energy management rules. According to the Williams driver, this type of accident was predictable and could have been avoided if the warnings had been considered.
The accident occurred on lap 21, when Bearman was rapidly approaching Franco Colapinto at the entry of the Spoon curve. While the Alpine driver was recovering energy, Bearman was using the battery, creating a large speed difference between the cars. The Briton swerved to the left, destroyed braking markers, and hit the wall sideways.
After getting out of the car limping and with pain in his right leg and ankle, Bearman was taken to the medical center. X-ray exams ruled out fractures, confirming only bruises to his right knee.
Since the introduction of cars dependent on energy management, several drivers had already raised concerns about this type of situation. After finishing the race in only 15th position, Sainz once again criticized the FIA’s lack of action regarding the warnings: “I hope we can find something better for Miami, because the accident we saw today is exactly what we had been warning about. With these speed differences, this type of accident was inevitable. I’m not very happy with what we’ve had so far,” he told Sky Sports F1.
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The Spanish driver also questioned the FIA’s decision to focus changes on the matter only for the qualifying session: “I was very surprised when they said they would solve this for the qualifying session and leave the race as it was because it’s exciting. As drivers, we were very clear that the problem is not just in qualifying, but also in the races.”
Sainz also highlighted the risk at circuits with fewer runoff areas: “We were lucky there was a runoff area there. Imagine in Baku, Singapore, or Las Vegas, with these speed differences and crashes near the walls,” he warned. He also compared the impact to his own crash at the 2015 Russian GP, which was 46G: “It was 50G. Imagine the type of accident that could happen in Vegas or Baku,” he added.
Finally, the Spaniard hopes the episode serves as a warning. “I hope this serves as an example and that they listen to the drivers, not just the teams. Some people said the race was good, but it wasn’t,” the Williams driver concluded.
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