Bearman says he's OK after Japan GP crash

Bearman says he's OK after Japan GP crash

British rookie Oliver Bearman walked away from a brutal 50 g impact at the Japanese Grand Prix with only minor injuries. He suffered a swollen right knee after hitting the barrier at Suzuka, but was back in a simulator within days. The Briton also used the chance to criticize Franco Colapinto’s sudden move that led to the crash.

Why it matters:

• Safety: A 50 g hit shows how a small mistake can become life‑threatening, even when no major injury occurs.
• Points chase: Bearman is seventh with 17 points; missing races would dent Haas’s midfield push.
• Driver etiquette: His call for more respect puts pressure on the FIA to tighten rules on sudden lane changes as speeds climb.

The details:

• Crash dynamics: Bearman clipped grass while evading Colapinto’s Alpine, spun and hit the barrier at Turn 1 with ~50 g deceleration.
• Injury: Right‑knee swelling was the only symptom; scans showed no fracture and doctors cleared him to drive.
• Recovery: By Wednesday he was back in the Haas simulator, logging laps ahead of a weekend endurance race with his brother.
• Public response: On the Up to Speed podcast, Bearman called Colapinto’s move “unacceptable” and urged more respect between drivers.

What's next:

• Miami GP: Bearman is keen to race in Miami, hoping to turn his early‑season form into more points.
• Team outlook: Haas will lean on Bearman’s pace as they chase a top‑six finish in the constructors’ battle.
• Safety dialogue: The crash may spur the FIA and drivers’ union to tighten rules on abrupt defensive moves.