Colapinto Reveals Bearman Ignored Suzuka Message

Franco Colapinto expressed irritation with Oliver Bearman's public criticism of their high-speed encounter at the Japanese Grand Prix, revealing ahead of the Miami Grand Prix that his post-race message to the Haas driver went unanswered.

The incident occurred during the late March race at Suzuka, where Bearman rapidly closed on Colapinto's Alpine through Sector Two, creating a speed differential of approximately 45 kilometers per hour due to energy deployment differences under the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Approaching Spoon Curve, Bearman veered onto the grass to avoid contact, lost control, and struck the barriers in a 50G impact. Bearman walked away unharmed, a point both drivers have emphasized.

Bearman, speaking on the Up To Speed podcast during F1's break, described Colapinto's slight defensive move left as unacceptable given the closing speeds. "Franco moved in front of me to defend his position," Bearman said. "With 50 km/h, he didn't leave me enough space and I basically had to avoid a much bigger crash. When he moved left it was a small move, but with that speed difference any move is huge."

Colapinto, arriving in Miami, pushed back during a media session. "The most...