David Coulthard proposes exempting risky corners from ERS energy harvesting

Core summary Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has warned that the new ERS energy‑harvest zones can create dangerous closing speeds, especially in blind sections of track. After Oliver Bearman’s high‑speed crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, Coulthard suggested that certain corners be excluded from energy deployment to avoid similar incidents.

Why it matters:

• Safety first – Uncontrolled closing speeds of 30‑40 mph can turn a routine corner into a high‑risk collision.
• Regulation pressure – The FIA is under scrutiny to balance performance gains from hybrid systems with driver protection.
• Track heritage – Iconic corners like Eau Rouge are beloved for their challenge, but their visibility limitations make them prime candidates for safety exemptions.

The details:

• Bearman’s crash – While following Franco Colapinto at Suzuka, the 17‑year‑old was caught by a sudden surge of harvested energy, resulting in a heavy impact.
• Energy‑harvest zones – The 2024 power units decelerate at the end of long straights to store kinetic energy, then redeploy it for overtaking. The sudden speed change can surprise drivers on the following lap.
• Coulthard’s suggestion – On the Up to Speed podcast, he argued that “certain corners should be exempt from being able to harvest… you’re just so used to them.”
• Eau Rouge focus – The Belgian corner hides the car ahead behind a crest, making a sudden 30‑40 mph closing speed especially hazardous.
• Potential exemption model – The FIA could designate a list of “blind‑corner” sectors where the ERS cannot harvest or deploy, similar to past DRS zone restrictions.

What's next:

The FIA will review the incident during the upcoming technical meeting and may issue a provisional directive before the next race weekend. Teams are already discussing software updates that could automatically disable harvesting in pre‑approved sectors. If Coulthard’s proposal is adopted, it would mark a rare mid‑season tweak to the hybrid system, prioritising driver safety without sacrificing the overall performance envelope of the new power units.