Franco Colapinto has expressed frustration with Oliver Bearman after the Haas driver labeled their high-speed Suzuka collision “unacceptable” in recent interviews.
The incident occurred when Bearman, traveling 45km/h faster due to 2026 energy deployment differences, was forced onto the grass and hit the barriers in a 50G impact.
Colapinto revealed in Miami that he sent Bearman a message immediately after the race to check on his well-being, but he has been “left on read” with no response.
While Bearman blames Colapinto for a defensive move, the Alpine driver argues that the person behind has more control over the massive speed closing rates.
The FIA and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu previously cleared Colapinto of wrongdoing, viewing the crash as a byproduct of the new technical regulations.
Colapinto emphasized that while he is unhappy with the public criticism, he is primarily relieved that Bearman escaped the violent crash without serious injury.
The dispute has highlighted growing safety concerns regarding the extreme speed differentials between cars under the current 2026 Formula 1 rules.
