Franco Colapinto reveals what he saw in the cockpit when Oliver Bearman crashed at Japanese GP

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A horrifying crash for Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix has raised questions about the safety of the new regulations.

Bearman’s crash ultimately led to his retirement. The broadcast showed Bearman to be limping as he was assisted back to the medical facility.

Many fans blasted the new regulations after Bearman’s crash, questioning the safety of drivers due to the battery levels in overtaking procedures.

Bearman suffered 50Gs of impact due to the crash, leading to a knee contusion for the young driver. Thankfully, he walked away with no fractures.

But Franco Colapinto, who was right behind Oliver Bearman when the crash happened, was rightfully concerned when he saw it go down.

READ MORE: Kimi Antonelli wins Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Oscar Piastri after safety car turnaround

Franco Colapinto says Oliver Bearman was already ‘in the grass’ by the time he saw him

Franco Colapinto spoke after the Japanese Grand Prix about his experience watching Oliver Bearman’s dangerous crash.

Colapinto pointed to the closing speed being the issue, noting that by the time he saw him, Bearman was already in the grass, headed towards the barrier.

“The big issue is the closing speeds; they’re so different. He was probably like 50kph quicker than me. When I saw him, he was already on the grass.

“The issue is that it literally looks like outlaps versus pushlaps. It’s very tricky to race like that, it makes it very dangerous. I’m glad he’s okay. I saw him walking. I’m glad he’s fine.”

While Bearman was lucky not to sustain any major injuries, two veteran drivers have called for changes to the dangerous aspect of the new F1 regulations.

READ MORE: Ayao Komatsu offers instant update on Oliver Bearman after ‘scary’ 50G Japanese Grand Prix crash

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Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz want Formula 1 to address major regulations issue

After the race, Carlos Sainz spoke to DAZN Spain, and warned that these new regulations could cause similar crashes to Bearman’s at other tricky tracks such as Baku and Las Vegas if not addressed soon.

“I think this five-week break is very good for Formula 1 because of the accident we saw. Berman and I have been warning the FIA and FOM that it was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

“We’re seeing speeds of 30 to 50 kilometres per hour using the boost, and this accident was inevitable. I think it was 50 Gs at Suzuka with a run-off area.

“Now imagine we go to Las Vegas, we go to Baku, and the same problem Oli had, being caught off guard by Franco, we’ll see it on another circuit at even higher speeds, as we’ll have in Vegas and Baku, and without a run-off area.

“Therefore, I really hope Formula 1 reconsiders and the teams don’t take such a hard line, because it’s clear that these regulations have loopholes and problems that need to be fixed before going to Miami and before going to other types of circuits.”

Fernando Alonso, prior to the Japanese Grand Prix, pointed to the exact issue that caused the incident for Bearman, noting that it was a concern for officials to address.

“Overtaking these days is accidental. Suddenly, you find yourself with a higher battery than the car in front. You either crash into them or you overtake them. It’s an evasive manoeuvre, not an overtake.”

With a five-week hiatus ahead of them, officials will convene to address the new regulations, and see if any changes need to be made ahead of Formula 1’s return in Miami.