Carlos Sainz has pointed to ignored driver warnings as a key factor behind Oliver Bearman’s frightening crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, raising fresh concerns about Formula 1’s 2026 regulations.
The incident at Suzuka has intensified debate around safety, particularly with how the new power unit rules are affecting racing dynamics.
Sainz’s comments make it clear that this was not unexpected.
Carlos Sainz says FIA ignored driver warnings before Bearman crash
Sainz addressed the issue while reacting to the growing concerns.
“Hopefully we come up with a solution that doesn’t create these massive closing speeds, a safer way of going racing. I was so surprised when they said they would sort out qualifying and leave the racing alone, it’s exciting,” Sainz said.
He added: “As drivers, we have been extremely vocal that the problem is not only qualifying, it’s also racing, and we were warning this type of accident was always going to happen.”
The comments highlight frustration within the paddock, with drivers believing the risks were already known.
It also shifts focus toward decision-making around the implementation of the new regulations.
Oliver Bearman’s Suzuka crash exposes dangers of 2026 F1 energy rules
The crash at Suzuka occurred when Bearman encountered a significantly slower car ahead due to differences in energy deployment and harvesting under the 2026 regulations.
The sudden closing speed forced him into evasive action, sending him onto the grass before he lost control and hit the barriers at high speed.
The impact was severe, though he avoided serious injury, and it immediately raised questions about how such speed differentials are managed on track.
“Here, we were lucky there was an escape road – now imagine going to Baku, Singapore, Las Vegas and having this type of closing speeds, crashes next to the walls,” Sainz stated.
The warning underscores the concern that similar incidents at street circuits could have far more dangerous consequences.
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