Carlos Sainz has criticised the FIA's new Formula 1 regulations following Oliver Bearman's heavy crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, warning that drivers had predicted such incidents. The Haas driver spun and hit a barrier at Suzuka, sustaining a knee contusion from a 50G impact, though X-rays showed no fractures.
Sainz told Sky Sports that the accident highlighted the dangers of increased closing speeds under the 2026 engine rules. He expressed concern for upcoming street circuits like Baku, Singapore and Las Vegas, where similar crashes could occur without escape roads. The Ferrari driver noted that his own 2015 crash in Russia was only 46G.
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) had previously warned the FIA about the risks, Sainz said, urging teams to listen to drivers rather than those who claimed racing was safe. He called for a better solution before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver to lead the F1 standings at 19 years and 216 days, winning the Japanese GP by 13.722 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri. The Mercedes driver secured his second consecutive victory after success in China.
