FIA to review regulations after Bearman crash at Japanese Grand Prix

The FIA announced it will conduct a detailed review of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations following the heavy crash involving Oliver Bearman during the Japanese Grand Prix, raising fresh concerns about driver safety.

Bearman, driving for Haas, suffered a high-speed accident with an impact of around 50G after losing control while attempting to overtake. The incident was triggered by a significant speed difference between cars, caused by the new energy deployment systems introduced in the 2026 regulations.

According to the FIA, the crash highlighted the dangers of “closing speeds” — situations where one car approaches another much faster due to differences in energy usage. The governing body acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and confirmed that it will hold meetings with teams and stakeholders to evaluate possible changes.

Drivers and teams have previously warned about these risks, arguing that the current regulations can create unpredictable and dangerous racing scenarios. The FIA stated that improving safety will be a priority, especially before upcoming races later in the season.

Despite the severity of the crash, Bearman avoided major injuries and was able to exit the car, though he sustained a minor knee issue. The incident has intensified pressure on Formula 1 authorities to make adjustments and prevent similar situations in the future.

The review is expected to take place in the coming weeks, as Formula 1 evaluates potential regulatory tweaks during a break in the calendar.