Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Alex Albon has revealed growing concerns among Formula 1 drivers regarding safety in the 2026 season, particularly following the major crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The incident was triggered by a significant closing speed difference when Franco Colapinto of the BWT Alpine F1 Team was harvesting energy. The speed delta, estimated at around 30 mph, created a high-risk scenario, especially in fast sections such as the approach to Spoon Curve at Suzuka.
These concerns have now become a key topic in internal driver discussions, including official briefings. Albon explained that the situation is directly influencing how drivers approach defensive racing on track.
“We are actually talking about it in the drivers’ briefing, about closing speeds, defending, and moving. It just feels really awkward now,” said Albon.
He noted that traditional defensive manoeuvres—once a standard part of racecraft—are now being reconsidered. Drivers are no longer focused solely on protecting position but must also account for the unpredictable speed of cars approaching from behind.
“You want to defend, but sometimes you are worried about the car behind,” he added.
This reflects a broader shift in racing dynamics under the 2026 power unit regulations, where energy deployment and recovery systems create variable and often unpredictable speed differences that are difficult to judge in real time.
As a potential solution, Albon suggested technical adjustments to the energy deployment systems, including making certain modes more stable or reducing their overall impact. He also referenced the possibility of adopting a more straightforward system, similar to DRS, that drivers can control more intuitively.
“Maybe we need to make the energy mode more stable or less powerful, or something more like a regular DRS that is easier to control,” he explained.
The issue had already been highlighted earlier in the season by McLaren Formula 1 Team team principal Andrea Stella, who warned during pre-season testing about the risks associated with large closing speeds.
With concerns now shared across multiple drivers and teams, safety has become a central topic in evaluating the 2026 regulations. Further discussions are expected to involve the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile as stakeholders assess potential technical adjustments to mitigate similar risks.
This situation underlines how the introduction of new technology not only affects performance but also reshapes on-track behaviour and safety considerations. The speed and effectiveness of regulatory responses will be crucial in maintaining a balance between innovation and driver protection throughout the 2026 season.
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