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The safety implications of Formula 1’s new technical regulations have surged to the forefront following Oliver Bearman’s massive 50G accident at the Japanese Grand Prix.
On lap 21, the Haas driver was running a second behind Franco Colapinto when the gap between them suddenly collapsed approaching Spoon corner. The dramatic change was triggered by a significant difference in electrical boost. It is understood that the Alpine was not actively harvesting energy at that moment, meaning the warning lights on its rear wing were not illuminated in the seconds before the incident.
Despite that, Bearman’s closing speed reached 45km/h.
Travelling at 308km/h, he was forced into an avoidance manoeuvre, swerving sideways across the grass on the inside before skidding back over the circuit, through the run-off area and into the barrier. The impact registered at 50G — a stark illustration of the forces involved when energy deployment between cars is misaligned.
The aftermath brought a strong and unified response from the paddock.
Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Carlos Sainz made clear that the concerns were not new.
"There were a lot of big moments there in the first three laps while we were all sorting out our energies until our systems learned with the closing speeds we have with the boost button," Sainz said.
He highlighted the unpredictability inherent in the current system:
"Even without using the boost button, sometimes your engine gives you a lot more speed than the guy in front, depending on where the other is on the energy. It was only a matter of time, the first big crash was going to happen."
In a separate interview, Sainz was more direct about prior warnings.
"We've been warning them [F1 and the FIA] about this happening.
These kind of closing speeds and these kind of accidents were always going to happen, and I'm not very happy with what we've had up until now. Hopefully we come up with a better solution that doesn't create these massive closing speeds and a safer way of going racing."
The central concern is clear: when one car deploys electrical energy and another suddenly runs out — or chooses not to harvest — the resulting speed differential can become extreme. Drivers have been vocal about this risk since before the start of the season.
A revision to the energy-management regime had already been under consideration prior to Suzuka. During testing, a consensus emerged that data from the opening rounds would be reviewed before firm conclusions were drawn about improving the formula.
With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix cancelled in April, discussions were scheduled to take place at an F1 Commission meeting on 9 April.
It is understood that the primary focus had been on improving the "show" in qualifying, as the commercial rights holder is broadly satisfied with how the new technical package has delivered in terms of on-track spectacle.
Bearman’s crash, however, has reframed the debate. The scale of the incident serves as a timely reminder of the risks when electrical energy is deployed inconsistently between cars.
In the wake of the accident, the FIA issued a detailed statement clarifying its position.
"Following the accident involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix and the contribution of high closing speeds in the accident, the FIA would like to provide the following clarifications," it began.
The governing body emphasised that the 2026 regulations have been subject to ongoing discussions since their introduction, involving the FIA, teams, power unit manufacturers, drivers and Formula One Management.
"By design, these regulations include a number of adjustable parameters, particularly in relation to energy management, which allow for optimisation based on real-world data."
According to the FIA, all stakeholders had agreed that a structured review would take place after the opening phase of the season, once sufficient data had been gathered and analysed. Several meetings are scheduled in April to assess the operation of the new regulations and determine whether refinements are required.
The statement also stressed the complexity of potential adjustments:
"Any potential adjustments, particularly those related to energy management, require careful simulation and detailed analysis. The FIA will continue to work in close and constructive collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for the sport and safety will always remain a core element of the FIA's mission. At this stage, any speculation regarding the nature of potential changes would be premature. Further updates will be communicated in due course."
The Japanese Grand Prix was already part of an evaluation phase for Formula 1’s latest technical era. Bearman’s accident has now given that process sharper urgency.
While the commercial impact of the regulations may be deemed positive, the safety dimension — particularly the management and timing of electrical energy deployment — has become impossible to ignore.
The upcoming April discussions were always intended to refine the formula. After Suzuka, they now carry far greater weight.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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