Bearman Criticizes Colapinto's Move in Suzuka Crash

Oliver Bearman, the Haas Formula 1 driver, criticized fellow competitor Franco Colapinto for an "unacceptable" defensive move that contributed to his high-impact crash during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka last month. The incident at Spoon Curve, triggered by a 50 km/h closing speed differential, forced Bearman to swerve onto the grass at around 308 km/h, leading to a loss of control and a 50G sideways collision with the barriers.

Bearman, a 20-year-old British rookie, was approaching Colapinto's slower-moving Alpine while the Argentine driver was managing energy under the sport's new 2026 regulations, which emphasize hybrid power units and have introduced unprecedented speed gaps between cars. As Colapinto shifted left to defend his position entering the corner, Bearman took evasive action to avoid a rear-end collision, which he described as potentially far more severe. The Haas car spun across the track before slamming into the tire wall, but Bearman was able to exit the wreckage on his own, assisted by marshals, and was cleared by medical staff after X-rays revealed only a contusion and swelling in his right knee.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Bearman placed primary...