Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has warned against rushed alterations to Formula 1’s 2026 regulations after rookie Oliver Bearman suffered a high-speed crash at the Japanese Grand Prix. Bearman ran onto the grass, spun at more than 190 mph and hit the barriers while trying to avoid Alpine’s Franco Colapinto. Teams estimate about a 30 mph speed differential between the cars, leaving the Briton little time to react.
The incident reignited concerns that the 2026 rules, which require cars to slow to harvest energy at the end of straights, could create dangerous speed differentials. Drivers voiced worries, with Williams’ Carlos Sainz calling on the FIA to make racing safer. The governing body said it will hold discussions during the five-week break before the Miami Grand Prix to consider potential changes.
Komatsu urged patience and a measured approach. He said decisions must be taken from all angles and that knee-jerk reactions could lead to the wrong solution being chosen and reversed later. He also praised increased openness and cooperation between teams, the FIA and F1, and expressed confidence the community will find the right fixes.
On Bearman’s condition Komatsu confirmed the 20-year-old is fine, suffering a bruised knee but no fractures, and should be ready for Miami. He added that the team was grateful the outcome was not more serious.
Haas have made a strong start to the season and sit fourth in the Constructors’ Championship after three rounds. Bearman finished seventh in Australia and fifth in China, while team-mate Esteban Ocon took his first point with 10th in Japan. Komatsu warned that holding that position will be difficult in a tough development race, stressing the need to maximise capability, refine processes and get the best from the car, team and drivers.
Formula 1 returns May 1-3 at the Miami Grand Prix, the season’s second Sprint weekend.