Brundle ranks drivers fourth in FIA safety priorities after Bearman crash

Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle has sparked a fierce debate by bluntly stating that drivers rank fourth in the FIA's safety hierarchy, following Oliver Bearman's high-speed crash at Suzuka which highlighted the dangers of the new 2026 power unit speed differentials.

Why it matters:

Brundle's stark assessment challenges the fundamental principle that driver safety is the sport's top priority. His comments, made in the wake of a near-miss involving a massive closing speed, suggest a systemic prioritization that could leave drivers exposed if the governing body does not urgently address known technical flaws in the upcoming regulations.

The details:

• The Pecking Order: On the Sky Sports F1 show, Brundle outlined a four-tier safety priority list: fans are first as paying customers who assume no risk, followed by volunteer marshals, then pit crew members, with drivers finally in fourth place.
• A Known, Flawed System: The crash between Haas's Oliver Bearman and Alpine's Franco Colapinto was a direct result of extreme speed deltas created by the 2026 power units, which feature significantly increased electrical power. Brundle stated the sport has been "hamstrung" by hardware limitations for three years, calling the situation "fundamentally flawed."
• Formal Warnings Issued: Brundle indicated driver concerns over these closing speeds are not just paddock chatter but have likely been formally submitted through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), putting the FIA "on notice" to act.
• High-Stakes Inaction: He warned of severe consequences for the FIA, suggesting the body would be "in for the high jump" if a car were to hit the crowd and it was shown they had not exercised due diligence on this known risk.

What's next:

The pressure is now on the FIA to find technical solutions to smooth out the dangerous energy deployment and battery depletion cycles of the 2026 power units. With teams and the governing body already in "constructive dialogue," the upcoming Miami Grand Prix will be a key indicator of whether these urgent warnings translate into tangible regulatory action or temporary fixes. Brundle's comments have framed the issue as a critical test of the FIA's commitment to its stated safety values.