Colapinto’s F1 Speed Fears Post-Bearman’s 50G Scare

Formula 1 Driver Sounds Alarm on “Dangerous” Closing Speeds Ahead of 2026 Regulations

The intense closing speeds witnessed in Formula 1, particularly highlighted by Oliver Bearman’s significant crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, are raising serious concerns among drivers, with Franco Colapinto labelling the situation “really dangerous” and calling for urgent review. Bearman’s incident, where he was forced to take evasive action and ultimately spun into the barriers, occurred as he rapidly closed in on Colapinto’s Alpine through Suzuka’s challenging Spoon curve.

Colapinto, who finished 16th in the race, described the moment as “really strange” and likened his position to being a “sitting duck.” He explained the stark speed differential he experienced: “I think the speed difference is so big and so large. It’s almost like you’re in an outlap and another guy is in a push. It’s really odd. It’s a corner that we are doing flat and he was like more than 50k quicker than me – so it’s very strange.”

The Alpine driver elaborated on the inherent risks involved when such large speed differentials occur, especially on a corner rather than a straight. “I think it gets really sketchy when the straights are not straight and he’s turning because we are not on a straight lane, we are kind of turning,” Colapinto stated. He noted that even as Bearman was spinning on the grass, he still managed to overtake him, underscoring the immense disparity in speed. “Even spinning he overtook me, so imagine the speed difference. At some points it becomes really dangerous. I’m glad he’s okay. I saw him walking in the paddock and he seems fine.”

This wasn’t an isolated incident for Colapinto in the 2026 season. Earlier in the year, at the Australian Grand Prix, he narrowly avoided a major collision with Liam Lawson. Lawson’s Racing Bulls car was slow off the grid due to a lack of battery power, and Colapinto only spotted him at the last possible moment, showcasing incredible reflexes to avoid a potentially catastrophic accident.

Colapinto believes these closing speed issues are a critical area that needs significant improvement, especially with the upcoming 2026 regulations in mind. He stressed his own driving style: “I’ve never moved or anything like that. I think the speed difference, the marbles, it’s like many things. But the biggest one is that one car is doing 50k or more – and that’s when it becomes dangerous.” He drew a parallel to his Melbourne experience: “It’s the same thing that happened to me in Melbourne. One was in a race start and I had to avoid something that was 100k slower than me.”

Addressing the “Artificial Overtakes”

The current scenario, according to Colapinto, leads to what he terms “artificial overtakes.” He explained, “I think, for overtaking, it’s the same. Those overtakes that are really artificial, as soon as you see on TV, the guy in front suddenly a car comes by 50k quicker and you don’t even see it.” This suggests that the speed differences can create passing opportunities that don’t necessarily stem from driver skill or strategic advantage, but rather from the inherent performance gaps between cars at certain moments.

Colapinto is advocating for a collaborative approach to finding solutions: “I think it’s just things to review with the FIA in the future.” The concern is that as cars and regulations evolve, these discrepancies in speed could become more pronounced, posing a significant safety risk to drivers. The incident involving Bearman serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences.

The near-misses and actual incidents highlight a growing tension between the desire for close racing and the physics of high-speed motorsport. While the introduction of new technical regulations in 2026 is intended to improve the racing spectacle, drivers like Colapinto are urging a proactive approach to address these safety concerns before they manifest into more severe incidents. The FIA will undoubtedly be scrutinising these closing speed dynamics closely to ensure the sport remains both thrilling and, most importantly, safe for all competitors.

Visuals from the Japanese Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix, where the incident occurred, provided a wealth of photographic evidence capturing the drama and atmosphere of the event. These images offer a glimpse into the world of Formula 1, from the intense on-track action to the personalities and fans that make the sport so captivating.

The ongoing discussions about closing speeds and car performance under different racing conditions are a crucial part of the sport’s evolution, ensuring that the pursuit of speed does not compromise driver safety. The insights from drivers like Colapinto are invaluable as the FIA and the sport’s stakeholders look to shape the future of Formula 1.