Safety debate in Formula 1
Bearman crash sparks discussion about regulations
March 29, 2026 – 5:09 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
An accident in Suzuka brings to light a fundamental problem with the new Formula 1 regulations: the drivers are therefore demanding consequences.
Oliver Bearman’s accident at the Japanese Grand Prix has sparked a debate about the safety of the new Formula 1 regulations. The technical regulations that apply from this season allow cars to drive at drastically different speeds at the same time. Several drivers have spoken out – and the world motorsport association has announced a review.
On the approach to Turn 13 at Suzuka, Bearman swerved to avoid Franco Colapinto in the Alpine in front of him. He hit the grass with his Haas and crashed into the barrier at over 300 kilometers per hour. The Briton did not suffer any serious injuries, but was limping badly as the race stewards led him off the track. Bearman later said he was “absolutely fine.”
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Williams driver Carlos Sainz sees the incident as confirmation of a long-known danger. After the race he said: “We have warned for a long time that something like this could happen.” According to Sainz, Bearman was lucky in Suzuka to be able to avoid the much slower-moving Colapinto.
The Spaniard called on the race management to act before the next race (May 3rd in Miami in the live ticker on t-online): “I very much hope that we will find a better solution for Miami.” The risk is particularly high on city circuits. “Now imagine driving in Baku, Singapore or Las Vegas,” said Sainz, where such “accidents would take place right next to the walls.”
The new regulations stipulate that cars get half of their drive energy from a battery. The necessary energy management can result in drivers traveling at very different speeds at the same time. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said: “We have to race differently with these cars without a doubt. If you change the driving line while charging the battery, that creates dangerous scenarios.”
The world motorsport association said after the race in Japan that “a structured review will take place after the first phase of the season.” Possible “adjustments, particularly related to energy management, require careful simulations and detailed analysis,” it said.
