F1 star helped off track after terrifying 191mph crash as health update given

Mar 29, 2026 - 11:30
F1 star helped off track after terrifying 191mph crash as health update given

Haas driver Oliver Bearman walked away without any bone fractures despite a sickening high-speed collision at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Bearman, who began the race in 18th, crashed into the barriers at the Spoon hairpin when he lost control of his car after being forced to take evasive action as Alpine’s Franco Colapinto moved off the racing line and into the middle of the track.

Bearman crashed into two distance markers at Suzuka
Bearman sent debris from the distance markers flying across the circuit
Sky Sports
Oliver Bearman's car comes to a stop after crashing
The Brit’s Haas car eventually came to a stop
Sky Sports

The British ace ploughed through two distance markers before he spun back onto the circuit, into the gravel and finally against the barriers, bringing a premature end to his race.

Such was the impact of Bearman’s collision, it measured a brutal 50G and occurred at a terrifying speed of 191mph.

Bearman thankfully managed to exit his vehicle without any serious issues, although he was captured limping away from his destroyed vehicle and struggling to put any weight on his right leg.

What injuries did Bearman sustain?

Speaking to Sky Sports, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed Bearman had been taken to the on-site medical centre for immediate observations where he underwent X-rays.

Addressing the scary scenes, Komatsu added: “He (Bearman) just had a huge closing speed against Colapinto so he had to take avoiding action and he went on the grass and crashed, so yeah, scary.”

Thankfully Bearman was cleared of any serious damage as a Haas spokesperson said: “Update on Bearman. 50G impact. Has had an X-ray at the Medical Centre. No fractures. A right knee contusion following the impact. Alert and communicating.”

Bearman reacts to brutal crash

Bearman later confirmed in an interview to F1 he was ‘absolutely fine’ and issued a heartfelt apology to the team for wrecking the car.

“It was a scary moment that happened out there, but everything is OK, which is the main thing,” Bearman said.

“The car is a bit worse for wear, but we have a month now to reset and come back.

“I can only apologise from the bottom of my heart to the team for that because it’s a lot of work for them.”

Oliver Bearman is helped away from the track
Bearman was looking worse for wear after his crash
Sky Sports

Who won the Japanese Grand Prix?

Although it was a race to forget for Bearman, his crash opened the door for Mercedes‘ Kimi Antonelli to create F1 history.

The Italian ace used the safety car brought out following Bearman’s incident to great effect as he headed straight for the pits to receive a fresh set of tyres, allowing him to get ahead of his rivals.

Antonelli’s joy was Silver Arrows teammate George Russell‘s pain, as he had pitted for new tyres just prior to Bearman’s crash.

Upon realising the impact of the safety car on his and his teammate’s race, Russell yelled over the radio: “Unbelievable.”

With a different set of tyres, Antonelli emerged from the restart as the man to beat and it was a position he never let go.

Oliver Bearman's Haas car after the 191mph crash
Bearman’s car suffered significant damage in the crash
Getty

Japanese Grand Prix - Full results

1st – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

2nd – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

3rd – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4th – George Russell (Mercedes)

5th – Lando Norris (McLaren)

6th – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7th – Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

8th – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

9th – Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

10th – Esteban Ocon (Haas)

11th – Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)

12th – Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

13th – Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)

14th – Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)

15th – Carlos Sainz (Williams)

16th – Franco Colapinto (Alpine)

17th – Sergio Perez (Cadillac)

18th – Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

19th – Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)

20th – Alexander Albon (Williams)

DNF – Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

DNF – Oliver Bearman (Haas)

Antonelli makes F1 history

The Italian’s win in Japan was his second F1 triumph in as many races, having finished top of the podium in China.

Thanks to his two victories to start the 2026 season, Antonelli sits atop the F1 world championship standings.

Antonelli’s position at the summit makes him the first-ever teenager to lead the world championship, with the Italian aged 19 years and 216 days.

Unfortunately for Russell, he could not earn a podium finish at Suzuka as he crossed the line in fourth.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri made the most of his first full race in the 2026 season as he finished second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium in third.

As for Russell, he could only muster a fourth-place finish.

Russell will look to rebound at the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 3.

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