Ollie Bearman Crashes Out of Japanese GP with Knee Injury

Ollie Bearman, the 20-year-old British driver for Haas, crashed out of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday at Suzuka Circuit, sustaining a right knee contusion after a high-impact collision at Spoon Curve. The incident occurred on lap 22 of the 53-lap race, prompting the deployment of a safety car and marking the first significant disruption in an otherwise smooth event.

Bearman, who started 18th on the grid, was closing rapidly on Franco Colapinto's Alpine ahead of him entering the corner. The significant speed differential, exacerbated by Colapinto reducing power in the zero-kilowatt zone, forced Bearman to take evasive action. He veered onto the grass verge, lost control of his Haas, and slid across the track before striking the barriers on the outside of the turn. The impact registered at 50G, according to team data.

Trackside marshals assisted Bearman as he climbed from the wreckage, where he was seen limping and unable to bear full weight on his right leg. He was transported to the FIA medical center for evaluation, including an X-ray that confirmed no fractures. Haas issued a statement shortly after, noting that Bearman remained alert and communicative throughout.