Oliver Bearman, Haas driver, told the Up to Speed podcast that Franco Colapinto, Argentine driver, caused the crash that put him into the barriers at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
On lap 22 Bearman was about one second behind Colapinto when he closed as Colapinto was harvesting energy, creating a speed differential of nearly 50km/h. Bearman moved onto the grass to avoid contact and hit the barriers at Spoon with a reported 50G impact, exiting the car with assistance and no injury.
Bearman said Colapinto's late move left him insufficient space and highlighted that drivers had discussed larger speed deltas in the pre-race briefing, calling the outcome "unacceptable." Ayao Komatsu, team principal, has absolved Colapinto, but Bearman said he remained "very unhappy" and urged more respect between drivers.
Bearman also said the issue may need tweaks with the FIA to reduce speed-delta risks at future races.
This summary is based on coverage by Motorsport.
Read the full article at Motorsport.
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