A dramatic crash involving Chelmsford-born Formula 1 driver Ollie Bearman left fans fearing the worst after a high-speed incident at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old Haas driver was involved in a huge crash at around 190–191mph during the race at Suzuka, after taking evasive action to avoid another car.
Bearman’s car veered onto the grass at the fast Spoon Curve before spinning and slamming heavily into the barriers in what has been described as a 50G impact.
Taken to medical centre after impact
Despite the severity of the crash, Bearman was able to climb out of the car himself, though he was seen limping and struggling to put weight on his right leg.
He was quickly taken to the on-site medical centre for checks, where scans confirmed no fractures, with the young driver instead diagnosed with a knee contusion (heavy bruising).
“Scary moment” – but lucky escape
Speaking after the race, Bearman described the incident as a “scary moment” but confirmed he was otherwise okay.
The crash also triggered a safety car, briefly reshaping the race before Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli went on to secure victory.
Safety concerns raised across F1
The incident has sparked wider concern within Formula 1, with drivers and teams calling for urgent review of the sport’s 2026 regulations.
Experts say the crash was partly caused by large speed differences between cars, with Bearman forced to react quickly to avoid a slower vehicle ahead.
Ollie Bearman
Ollie Bearman, who grew up in Chelmsford, has quickly become one of Britain’s most exciting young F1 talents — making this a particularly worrying moment for local fans.
Thankfully, the outcome could have been far worse, with the Essex driver expected to recover fully.