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In the wake of Ollie Bearman's accident, the 2026 Formula 1 season is already facing a dilemma: how to maintain the spectacle without compromising safety. The FIA and the drivers recognize the urgent need to adjust certain parameters.
Since the new regulations took effect, energy management has played a key role not only in performance but also in track safety. During a race, when a driver is recovering energy, they drive up to 100 km/h slower than the others, which can become dangerous if someone approaches their path at full speed. This is exactly what led to Bearman's crash in Japan.
While drivers had already warned of this danger, it is now clearly evident to everyone. On the sidelines of the Grand Prix, the FIA responded quickly with a statement, noting that “the 2026 regulations are the subject of ongoing discussions” and that a “structured assessment” is planned after the start of the season. The governing body, however, urges caution, noting that “any potential adjustments require rigorous simulation” and that “any speculation would be premature.”
Mixed Reactions from Drivers
On the ground, the drivers are already experiencing the consequences of these new rules. When asked about the urgency to act, Kimi Antonelli acknowledges a real problem, while remaining measured: “Yes, it's a big problem, that's for sure,” he admits, before noting that “the FIA is already looking into how to improve things for Miami.” The young Italian nevertheless emphasizes the complexity of the issue, which he describes as “very delicate.”
Charles Leclerc offers a more technical perspective. In his view, these new cars require a change in approach. “With these cars, we definitely have to race differently.” The Monegasque driver specifically points to the super-clipping phases—during which drivers conserve energy—as a source of danger. “Changing direction during those moments creates some pretty dangerous situations.”
While he isn't calling for an immediate overhaul, Leclerc advocates for targeted adjustments. “For qualifying, there are clearly adjustments to be made to be able to push these cars to the limit.” In the race, he believes that adaptation must also come from the drivers. They must “take into account the fact that speed differences can be greater.”
Oscar Piastri, for his part, points out that this scenario has been feared for a long time. “We've been talking about this possibility ever since these cars were designed.” But the Australian acknowledges that there is “no easy solution to get around this.”
His account vividly illustrates the danger, as he too “narrowlyavoided a crash during free practice with Nico Hülkenberg. He caught up to me about three times faster than expected.” It's a worrying situation, especially since it often occurs in areas where drivers “don't expect that kind of speed difference.”
Despite everything, Piastri calls for collective awareness. “There's clearly a learning curve,” while acknowledging that “while we're learning, unfortunately, this kind of thing is likely to happen.”
Summit Meeting
Faced with this situation, the FIA and the teams will have to act quickly. Several meetings are already scheduled, including a highly anticipated one on April 9 in London, which is taking on the air of a crisis management session.
Caught between safety imperatives and the desire to preserve a spectacle already deemed promising by some drivers, Formula 1 is entering a critical adjustment phase.
