The FIA say it would be premature to discuss any potential rule changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, but has stressed that safety of the drivers is a key focus following Oliver Bearman’s crash in the Japanese Grand Prix. The Haas driver escaped any serious injuries, but limped into a medical car following a 191mph crash in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.
He lost control of his Haas at high speed while attempting a bold overtake on Alpine’s Franco Colapinto for 15th place at the Spoon Curve in Suzuka on the 22nd lap. Bearman veered onto the grass on the left-hand side of the track before ploughing through several polystyrene distance markers and slamming into the barrier.
The 20-year-old, in only his second season in Formula One, clambered out of his wrecked car but was unable to bear any weight on his right leg. He was helped away from his Haas by two marshals before collapsing to the ground. Bearman was subsequently transported by car to the trackside medical centre for X-rays.
A Haas spokesperson said: “Update on Bearman. 50G impact. Has had an X-ray at the Medical Centre. No fractures. A right knee contusion following the impact. Alert and communicating.”
Bearman’s accident prompted the deployment of the safety car, allowing Kimi Antonelli to benefit from a complimentary tyre change and take the lead of the race.
A statement from the FIA read: “Following the accident involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix and the contribution of high closing speeds in the accident, the FIA would like to provide the following clarifications.
“Since the introduction, the 2026 regulations have been the subject of ongoing discussions between the FIA, Teams, Power United Manufacturers, Drivers and FOM.
“By design, these regulations include a number of adjustable parameters, particularly in relation to energy management, which allow for optimisation based on real-world data.
“It has been the consistent position of all stakeholdes that a structured review would take place after the opening phase of the season, to allow for sufficient data to be gathered and analysed.
“A number of meetings are therefore schedule in April to asses the operation of the new regulations and determine whether any refinements are required.
“Any potential adjustments, particularly those related to energy management, require careful simulation and detailed analysis. The FIA will continue to work in close and constructive collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for the sport and safety will always remain a core element of the FIA’s mission.
“At this stage, any speculation regarding the nature of potential changes would be premature. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”