Verstappen, Antonelli seize advantage as Bearman suffers heavy crash in Japan

The Japanese Grand Prix witnessed a major strategic twist following a safety car triggered by a heavy crash involving Oliver Bearman.

The Haas driver suffered a significant shunt at Spoon Curve while attempting a move on Franco Colapinto. The British driver required assistance from marshals to walk away from the incident, visibly limping after the impact.

While the crash was a harrowing experience for Bearman, it opened up a crucial strategic window for several drivers. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Kimi Antonelli were among those who capitalised, pitting under the safety car and emerging in the leading positions thanks to the reduced time loss.

The incident brought out the safety car as marshals worked to recover Bearman’s damaged car.

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