Drivers call for urgent safety changes after Bearman’s high-speed crash in Japan

Formula One drivers and senior figures within the sport have called for urgent action following Oliver Bearman’s high-speed crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, raising serious concerns about safety under the current regulations.

The Haas driver was involved in a heavy accident at Suzuka after losing control at around 190mph. His car struck the barriers with a force of 50G, in what was described as a “scary” moment. Despite the severity of the crash, Bearman escaped with bruising.

“It was a scary moment out there, but everything is OK, which is the main thing,” Bearman said after the incident. He added that the adrenaline was beginning to wear off, but confirmed he was otherwise unharmed.

The crash occurred after Bearman had to take evasive action to avoid Franco Colapinto’s car, which was travelling at a significantly slower speed. The difference in pace between the two cars played a key role in the incident.

This disparity was linked to the way energy is managed under the current regulations. Bearman was deploying additional electrical power, known as boost mode, while Colapinto’s car was moving more slowly due to depleted energy levels. The result was a closing speed of around 50kph.

Concerns about such scenarios had already been raised before the season. Several drivers and team figures had warned that large speed differences could create dangerous situations on track.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and described Bearman as fortunate to escape without more serious injury. He said the crash highlighted an issue that could not be ignored and stressed that safety must remain the top priority.

The reigning world champion, Lando Norris, had previously flagged the risk during the opening round of the season in Australia. Similar concerns were also raised by McLaren team principal Andrea Stella during pre-season testing.

Following the crash in Japan, calls for immediate changes grew stronger. Williams driver Carlos Sainz said that drivers had already warned about the dangers created by the current regulations.

He stated that incidents involving such closing speeds had always been likely and expressed dissatisfaction with the situation. He called for a solution that would reduce the risk and provide a safer way of racing.

Sainz also pointed to the potential dangers at circuits with limited run-off areas, such as Baku, Singapore and Las Vegas. He suggested that a similar incident at those tracks could have far more serious consequences.

The incident has intensified pressure on the sport’s governing body to review the regulations. Drivers and teams are urging officials to address the issue before further accidents occur.

Andrea Stella echoed those concerns, stating that the situation should now become a top priority. He said that action should not be delayed until more serious consequences arise and emphasised the responsibility to improve safety.

The crash has brought renewed attention to the impact of the current energy management system on racing conditions. While it forms a key part of the regulations, its influence on speed differences between cars has become a growing concern.

Bearman’s escape without serious injury has been described as fortunate, but the incident has served as a warning for the sport.

As discussions continue, the focus is now on whether changes will be introduced to reduce the risks associated with these speed differences and prevent similar incidents in the future.