After Oliver Bearman’s huge accident at Suzuka, Max Verstappen is calling for urgent changes to energy management.
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The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix was marked by a violent track exit for Oliver Bearman, who suffered an impressive impact estimated at 50G. The accident occurred at Suzuka after a particularly high speed differential between two cars, in a situation that has become increasingly frequent with the current regulations.
Trapped by the difference in energy management between his Haas and Franco Colapinto’s Alpine, Bearman could not avoid the collision. Fortunately, after medical examinations, no fractures were detected, only a bruise on his right knee.
Speed gaps deemed worrying
At the heart of the problem: energy management. In certain phases, a car can find itself without power during the recovery phase, while another behind it benefits from maximum deployment. The result: speed gaps that can reach 50 to 60 km/h.
A phenomenon strongly denounced by Max Verstappen, who is directly affected by these situations on track. The four-time world champion believes that these differences create particularly dangerous conditions, especially in fast zones or under braking.
“That’s exactly what happens with these systems. One car can find itself totally without power, while the one behind uses all the available energy. The gap can reach 50 to 60 km/h, it’s huge.”
“Very dangerous” according to Verstappen
The Red Bull driver insists on the unpredictable and risky nature of these situations, which can give the impression of sudden or unexpected movements on track.
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“It can become very, very dangerous. You can get the impression that someone is moving under braking, but it’s also linked to acceleration and power differences. And in these conditions, a big accident can happen.”
Verstappen admits to having experienced several similar moments himself during the race, where he had to manage sudden speed gaps while already committed to his line.
Faced with this observation, the Dutchman is calling for a rapid reaction from the governing bodies. According to him, if safety is truly a priority, technical adjustments can be put in place without major difficulty.
“If it’s all about safety, then it’s easy to fix these kinds of things. We can use that argument for a lot of decisions, so maybe it’s time to use it here to finally evolve the rules.”
Safety at the heart of discussions
This incident restarts a debate already present in the paddock since the start of the season. Several drivers had indeed warned about the risks associated with these speed gaps generated by hybrid management.
With this spectacular accident, pressure could now intensify on the FIA and Formula 1 to review certain aspects of the regulations. One thing is certain: safety, once again, could become the driver of a major change in the sport.
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