‘Stop beating yourself up,’ Haas tells Oliver Bearman after 50G Suzuka crash

Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has offered staunch support to young talent Oliver Bearman, urging him not to dwell on his high-speed 50G impact at the Japanese Grand Prix, emphasizing the team’s collective responsibility and Bearman’s significant contributions to their season. The incident, which saw the British driver crash heavily at the notorious Spoon curve, resulted in a frightening 50G deceleration and left Bearman with a right knee contusion, though thankfully no more severe injuries.

The dramatic turn of events unfolded during the race at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. Bearman, who had qualified in a challenging 18th position, was attempting to navigate a strategic early pitstop and push through the field. As he approached the Spoon corner, a high-speed left-hander, he encountered Franco Colapinto’s Alpine. Bearman reported a surprising 45km/h speed difference as he closed in on Colapinto, a significant delta that caught him off guard. At approximately 308km/h, Bearman lost control of his Haas VF-24, careening into the protective barriers with an impact measured at a staggering 50G. After the violent collision, Bearman was seen hobbling out of his severely damaged car, later confirming a contusion to his right knee.

Following the accident, the 19-year-old Ferrari junior driver was reportedly highly apologetic and visibly disappointed with himself. However, Komatsu was quick to provide reassurance and perspective. "He’s just very, very disappointed in himself," Komatsu commented. "Again, that’s the good thing about Ollie, if you like: he’s not making any excuses, he was really beating himself up."

Komatsu’s immediate response was to remind Bearman of his extraordinary achievements earlier in the season. Bearman has been a revelation, single-handedly propelling Haas up to fourth place in the constructors’ championship standings through his impressive performances. He scored a remarkable 16 points across two race weekends: his memorable fifth-place finish at the Shanghai Grand Prix and a strong points finish in Australia. These points represent a crucial haul for the American team, which has historically struggled for consistent scoring, particularly in recent seasons. To put this into context, Haas’s other driver, Esteban Ocon, only opened his points account for the season at Suzuka, adding a solitary point to the team’s tally.

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"So I said, ‘Look, you know, you’ve done some amazing races, you got us 17 points out of two race weekends’," Komatsu recounted, referencing the collective contribution including Ocon’s point. He continued, reinforcing the team’s philosophy: "So, okay, his accident cost us points today, but as the old saying [goes], we win and lose together." Komatsu’s message was clear: the team stands united, and individual incidents, while disappointing, are part of the collective journey. "And then I said, ‘Look, you’ve done so many good things. Yes, today didn’t go very well, but there’s no point beating yourself up, you know, we just got to get up from here’." Bearman, ever the perfectionist, reportedly responded, "Yeah, but there’s no excuse, this is a speed delta."

Komatsu acknowledged Bearman’s self-critical nature, stating, "Look, he’s hard on himself, which is good. But sometimes if you are too hard on yourself, it’s not. But I’m sure he will bounce back, we’ll bounce back. We do it together. That’s the most important thing." This supportive stance from the team principal underscores the high regard in which Bearman is held within the Haas outfit and the broader Formula 1 paddock, especially given his meteoric rise.

The Japanese team principal further elaborated on the complexities surrounding the incident, choosing to downplay the notion of a clear driver "error." While acknowledging Bearman’s self-reproach – "Of course, he’s kicking himself, he’s saying like, ‘I should have done better, no excuse’" – Komatsu highlighted the extenuating circumstances. "But, you know, you look at it, that 50km/h difference in closing speed is massive," he pointed out, referring to the discrepancy Bearman encountered with Colapinto.

When pressed on whether the crash was a combination of driver error and the nuances of Formula 1’s relatively new regulations, Komatsu was resolute. "’Error’ is a big strong word, to be honest. You could say ‘small misjudgement’, but it’s scary though, that closing speed. When I look on the GPS lap before, it’s totally understandable and the correct decision to go for it there, but it’s just huge." He emphasized Bearman’s limited experience in the current generation of F1 cars, which are still relatively new to the sport. "This is only the third race in this regulation, so that’s something he’s never experienced. So I don’t even call it ‘error’, you know."

This perspective from Komatsu provides critical context. Modern Formula 1 cars, especially under the current aerodynamic regulations, can create significant turbulence (dirty air) for following cars, making judging closing speeds and braking points exceptionally challenging. For a rookie driver like Bearman, who has limited mileage in these machines compared to seasoned veterans, such situations present a steep learning curve. The high-speed nature of Suzuka, known for its demanding corners and unforgiving run-offs, further amplifies these challenges.

Oliver Bearman’s entry into Formula 1 has been nothing short of spectacular. As a highly-rated member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, he was thrust into the spotlight earlier in the season as a last-minute replacement for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. His performance there, securing points on his debut, immediately marked him as a talent for the future. His subsequent outings for Haas, accumulating those 16 crucial points, cemented this reputation. While his primary focus remains on his Formula 2 campaign, where he is also a championship contender, his F1 appearances have been eagerly watched.

For Haas, Bearman’s points have been invaluable. The team, under Komatsu’s leadership, has shown signs of a significant resurgence this season after several lean years. Bearman’s contribution, alongside Ocon’s consistency, is vital for their ambition to climb the constructors’ standings and secure a more stable financial footing. The team currently sits in a respectable position, and every point gained or lost has a substantial impact on their season’s outcome.

Looking ahead, Komatsu’s message of support is not merely a gesture but a strategic affirmation of belief in a young driver with immense potential. Bearman’s self-critical nature, while a testament to his drive for perfection, needs to be balanced with the understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process at the pinnacle of motorsport. The incident at Suzuka, though a setback, will undoubtedly be analyzed meticulously by both Bearman and the Haas technical team to extract every possible lesson. Komatsu’s confidence that Bearman will "bounce back" reflects a broader team culture focused on development and resilience, a crucial ingredient for success in the demanding world of Formula 1. Bearman’s next opportunities in F1, whether through further Haas outings or his continued F2 commitments, will be watched closely as he continues to hone his craft and strive for future glory.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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