Formula One drivers and team principals have called for urgent safety measures after Oliver Bearman survived a massive crash at the Japanese Grand Prix. The 20-year-old British driver for Haas escaped with only bruising after his car hit the barriers at 190mph, sustaining a 50G impact.
The accident occurred when Bearman, using electrical boost mode, approached Franco Colapinto’s slower car at a closing speed of 50kph. Bearman swerved to avoid a collision but crashed heavily. “It was a scary moment,” he said. “The adrenaline is wearing off, but I’m absolutely fine.”
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu described it as a lucky escape. “It could have been a lot worse. We have been talking about closing speeds, and this accident has now happened so we cannot ignore it. Safety should always be top of the list.”
World champion Lando Norris had warned of this danger in Australia, and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlighted it before the season. After the crash, Williams driver Carlos Sainz demanded action. “We’ve been warning them. We were lucky there was an escape road. Imagine this happening in Baku or Singapore. We need to change something soon.”
The FIA confirmed a review of regulations before the next race in Miami. “A number of meetings are scheduled in April to assess the operation of the new regulations,” a statement read. “Safety will always remain a core element of the FIA’s mission.”
The race was won by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who became the youngest driver to lead the world championship. Oscar Piastri finished second, with Charles Leclerc third.
