The well-known sports commentator Martin Brundle has called on the FIA to urgently address what he considers a “fundamentally flawed” power system in Formula 1, following Ollie Bearman’s accident during the Japanese Grand Prix.
The British driver suffered a high-speed crash while trying to avoid Franco Colapinto’s Alpine, which was harvesting energy at the time. Bearman lost control when he touched the grass and collided with the barriers. Fortunately, he was able to exit the car on his own and was examined by the medical personnel on-site.
In an interview on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Brundle defended Colapinto’s action, emphasizing that the closing speed between the drivers was considerable. “I don’t think there was any malice on Colapinto’s part. He could have given a little more space,” Brundle said, while indicating that the situation was dangerous.
Additionally, Brundle noted that the integration of machine learning functions in current engines creates racing hazards, stating that many of the surprises drivers experience shouldn’t be happening. “Drivers should be able to drive their vehicles autonomously,” he insisted.
The commentator stressed the importance of the power system being proportional to the driver’s actions, demanding that its response be more linear. Brundle expressed his concern that if a thorough review isn’t conducted, this could have serious consequences for drivers, spectators, and support staff on the track.
The FIA is under pressure to implement changes before the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, especially following the concerns expressed by drivers. The safety of drivers and the public must be prioritized, making corrective actions increasingly urgent.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
