Haas’ Oliver Bearman is relieved to have survived a “scary” crash at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.
Bearman was chasing down Alpine’s Franco Colapinto down into Spoon Curve on lap 21 when the Argentinean slowed on the racing line into the corner to recharge his battery, which left the Brit no choice other than to swerve to avoid a heavy collision.
The 20-year old consequently spun at high speed across the track into the outside barriers, and was seen limping away once he climbed out of the car before he slumped to the ground clutching his right leg and ankle.
Subsequent scans confirmed a right knee contusion but no further injury for Bearman who is just relieved to have escaped a serious injury, although he will now have a month off to recover from the contusion ahead of the Miami GP weekend between 1-3 May.
“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.
Bearman proceeded to explain that the speed difference between himself and Colapinto was a huge factor, although he felt that Colapinto could of left him more space such was the difference in their speeds into the corner.
“There was a massive overspeed – around 50kph – which is a part of these new regulations, and we have to get used to it, but also I felt like I wasn’t given much space, given the huge excess speed I was carrying.
“We need to be a bit more lenient and a bit more prepared, as unfortunately this was the result of a massive delta speed which we’ve not seen in Formula 1 before.”
Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu echoed Bearman’s sentiments about the speed differences but is glad that the incident didn’t result in more serious injury such was the difference between both drivers into the corner.
“It was a big shunt and Ollie is really gutted about it. The closing speed was huge, it was close to 50kph, and it was a pretty scary moment, but I’m glad that he came out okay.”
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