F1 drivers raise fresh concerns after Bearman's scary Japan GP crash

Ahead of Spoon, Bearman had to take avoiding action. After the Briton went on the grass, he became a passenger, and crashed heavily into the barrier. Since then, he confirmed that he is alright.

When asked about the incident, Bearman's former F2 teammate, Antonelli, answered first. He commented: "I didn’t properly see what happened. I don’t know also if the guy in front… Did he move quite aggressively as well? I mean, yeah, this is a big thing for sure, but the FIA is already looking into how to improve for Miami, both in qualifying and race. So, let’s see what’s going to happen. But yeah, it’s very tricky, to be fair."

Leclerc continued: "I think that with these cars, surely we need to race differently and there’s no doubt about that. And one of the points actually was moving or changing direction whenever you are super clipping, and that’s what creates some quite dangerous scenarios.

From first-hand experience, Leclerc also vouched for changes. "For the race, I think it also comes from just adjustments on our side in racing, in defending, and taking into account that the speed differences can be more important, and on that, I mean, probably more the defending cars than the attacking car. I mean, on my side as well in Australia there were some pretty tricky moments with George. So yes, I think it will also get better with time, but surely it’s tricky."

The Australian was straightforward. "We’ve spoken about that being a possibility since these cars were conceptualised. Yeah, it’s what we’re stuck with the power units. There’s no easy way of getting around it."

He also pinpointed another concerning aspect: "From what I saw there was no flashing light from Colapinto, so I don’t even think he was super clipping either, which is obviously a bit of a concern.

Therefore, he is clearly in favour of changes. "But I think we understand as a sport there’s a lot of things we need to tweak, a lot of things we need to change, and especially on safety grounds, yes, there’s some things that need to be looked into pretty quickly."