British F1 star gives health update after terrifying 191mph crash at Japanese Grand Prix

Medical examinations at the circuit confirmed the Essex-born driver, who is part of Ferrari's academy programme, sustained no fractures from the violent collision.

"First of all, everything is fine and I'm good," Bearman said afterwards. "It was a scary moment, but everything is OK which is the main thing."

The crash unfolded on lap 22 as Bearman approached Alpine's Franco Colapinto with an enormous difference in speed between the two machines.

Attempting to pass, the British driver made a sharp move to the left but ran onto the grass verge.

His car then careered through multiple polystyrene distance markers before spinning and smashing sideways into the outer barrier, sending gravel flying into the air.

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

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 29, 2026

Bearman managed to exit his stricken vehicle without assistance but could only hop on his left leg as track marshals rushed to help him.

Unable to bear weight on his right leg, he collapsed to the ground before being transported by the medical car for x-rays.

Bearman attributed the incident to the substantial speed differential created by new regulations, estimating he was travelling approximately 50kph faster than Colapinto as he approached.

"There was a massive overspeed around 50kph which is a part of these new regulations, and we have to get used to it," he explained.

The young driver also suggested his rival could have afforded him greater room on track.

"I felt like I wasn't given much space, given the huge excess speed I was carrying," Bearman added.

"We need to be a bit more lenient and a bit more prepared, as unfortunately this was the result of a massive delta speed which we've not seen in Formula 1 before."

He apologised to his team for the extensive damage to his car, acknowledging it would require significant repair work during the month-long break before the next race.

The accident triggered a safety car period that proved pivotal to the race outcome, enabling Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to make a pit stop and emerge in the lead, a position he held to claim victory.

Oscar Piastri finished second with Charles Leclerc taking third place on the podium.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu told Sky Sports the closing speed was the primary factor in the incident rather than any late movement from Colapinto.

"He 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," Komatsu said.

Bearman, who accumulated 41 points during his debut 2025 season, had started from 18th on the grid and sat fifth in the championship standings prior to Suzuka.