Haas Driver Bearman Survives 50-g Crash at Suzuka

Ollie Bearman escapes major injury after high-speed impact at Japanese Grand Prix raises concerns over closing speeds under new F1 rules.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:34pm

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Haas F1 driver Ollie Bearman walked away with only a right knee contusion after a frightening high-speed crash during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Bearman was chasing the Alpine of Franco Colapinto when he had to swerve to avoid the slowing car, sending him careening across the grass and slamming heavily into the barriers at an estimated 50 g-force impact. Bearman was evaluated at the medical center and cleared of any serious injuries, but the incident has reignited concerns over the closing speeds between cars under the new 2026 F1 regulations.

Why it matters

The high-speed crash highlights the potential dangers posed by the significant speed differences between cars that have emerged under the new 2026 F1 regulations. Drivers have been warning about this issue since pre-season testing, and the incident at Suzuka raises questions about whether further adjustments may be needed to the regulations to improve safety, especially at high-speed circuits.

The details

Bearman was chasing the Alpine of Franco Colapinto for position when he encountered a massive 50 kph (31 mph) speed difference on the approach to the Spoon curve. Bearman had to jink left to avoid the slowing Colapinto, sending him careening across the grass and slamming heavily into the barriers. Haas confirmed Bearman suffered a 50 g impact, but he was able to extricate himself from the car and was diagnosed with only a right knee contusion at the medical center.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 26, 2026 during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
  • Bearman was evaluated at the medical center immediately following the crash.

The players

Ollie Bearman

A Haas F1 driver who escaped major injury after a high-speed crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Franco Colapinto

The Alpine driver that Bearman was chasing when the crash occurred.

Haas

The Formula 1 team that fields Ollie Bearman.

FIA

The governing body of Formula 1 that is responsible for the 2026 regulations.

Carlos Sainz

A director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association who has been vocal about the concerns over closing speeds under the new regulations.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, everything is fine and I'm good. It was a scary moment out there, but everything is okay, which is the main thing. The adrenaline is wearing off a bit, so it's going to be a long trip home, but I'm absolutely fine. The car is a bit worse for wear, but we now have a month to reset, but I can only apologize to the team because it's a lot of work.”

— Ollie Bearman, Haas F1 Driver

“I was racing with him for a few laps and suddenly saw him slide in front of me across the grass into Spoon. Having viewed the footage afterwards, there was a big speed difference, which can be a characteristic of these cars, and I'm really glad he's ok.”

— Franco Colapinto, Alpine F1 Driver

“We've been warning them [F1 and the FIA] about this happening and a worse situation could have unfolded at a circuit like Baku or Las Vegas.”

— Carlos Sainz, Director, Grand Prix Drivers' Association

What’s next

The FIA has outlined that a structured review will take place across April to determine whether any refinements are required to the 2026 regulations, ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in May.

The takeaway

This high-speed crash at Suzuka highlights the serious safety concerns that have emerged under the new 2026 F1 regulations, with drivers warning about the potential for large speed differences between cars. The incident will likely prompt further discussions between the FIA, teams, and drivers to find solutions that improve safety while preserving the exciting on-track action.