FIA TO REVIEW 2026 REGULATIONS AFTER SAFETY CONCERNS
The FIA has announced that it will hold meetings in April to address safety and regulatory issues that have emerged in the first races of the 2026 season under the new rules.
Drivers have voiced concerns over challenges created by the new 2026 regulations, prompting the governing body to review the situation as soon as possible.
One of the most dramatic incidents occurred during the Japanese Grand Prix when Oliver Bearman crashed at Turn 13. The crash was caused by a significant speed difference between Bearman and Franco Colapinto when approaching the corner.
Colapinto was entering the turn at approximately 260 km/h, while Bearman approached at 308 km/h. Attempting to react to the large speed gap, Bearman lost control, went onto the grass, and collided with the wall with an estimated 50G impact. Fortunately, Bearman was able to exit the car on his own, though he was limping and sustained a knee contusion, avoiding any fractures.
Carlos Sainz, leader of the GPDA, commented on the crash and the 1-month break between the Japanese and the Miami Grand Prix: “This break is good for F1,” Sainz said. “The accident we saw today was something the drivers had been warning the FIA and FOM about; it was just a matter of time.”
He highlighted the risks created by the new regulations, noting that drivers are experiencing extreme speed differentials on track. “We’re reaching speed differentials of 40-50 km/h using boost, and this accident was inevitable,” he added.
Sainz stressed that Formula 1 needs to take driver feedback seriously. “I hope Formula 1 reconsiders its position, because it is clear that these regulations have loopholes and problems that need to be addressed before going to Miami in the first days of May,” he said.
The upcoming FIA meetings in April will focus on reviewing these safety issues and discussing possible changes to the regulations. Officials will aim to find a balance between maintaining exciting racing for fans and ensuring that drivers can compete safely, without risking dangerous incidents like Bearman’s crash.
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