Ollie Bearman ‘fine’ after lucky escape in dramatic Japanese Grand Prix crash

British driver Ollie Bearman had a “lucky escape” after his “scary” 191mph crash in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix which puts the safety of Formula One’s new rules in the spotlight.

Kimi Antonelli claimed his second win in as many races to usurp George Russell in the championship standings after he took advantage of a safety car period following Bearman’s harrowing accident on the 22nd lap in Suzuka.

Bearman was fighting for 16th position with Argentine driver Franco Colapinto when he deployed his boost button, a new introduction this season, to overtake at Spoon Curve.

Here’s the moment Bearman went into the barriers at Spoon #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/XmurXApWkp

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 29, 2026

However, Bearman misjudged the 31mph closing speed to the back of Colapinto’s Alpine and took evasive action on to the grass.

From there, he was sent out of control as he crashed through a polystyrene distance board before slamming into the barriers. The force of the impact registered at an extraordinary 50G.

The 20-year-old, in just his second season in Formula One, emerged from his destroyed car limping and unable to put any weight on his right leg.

He was helped away from his Haas by two marshals before he slumped to the grass by the side of the circuit. Bearman was taken away in a medical car for X-rays. He suffered a knee contusion but escaped a significant injury.

“First of all, everything is fine and I’m good,” said Bearman. “It was a scary moment out there but everything is okay, which is the main thing.

“The adrenaline is wearing off a bit so it’s going to be a long trip home, but I’m absolutely fine.

"Happy to report that everything is ok"