Verstappen a WEC target as Bearman criticizes Colapinto's 'unacceptable' move

Max Verstappen is reportedly a top target for every Hypercar team in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), as speculation about his F1 future persists. Meanwhile, Haas driver Ollie Bearman has publicly criticized Alpine's Franco Colapinto for causing his high-speed crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, calling the defensive move "unacceptable" given the new energy management rules.

Why it matters:

These two stories highlight pivotal pressures in modern F1: the intense competition to secure top talent like Verstappen as his Red Bull future faces uncertainty, and the urgent safety debates sparked by the sport's new technical regulations. Bearman's public criticism underscores growing driver concerns that the 2026 energy recovery rules, which create massive speed differences, are not being respected on track, potentially leading to dangerous incidents.

The details:

• Verstappen's WEC Appeal: Paddock conversations at the WEC season-opener in Imola reveal that the three-time F1 champion is seen as a major ambassador for motorsport. His participation in events like the Nürburgring 24h qualifiers fuels speculation, with every Hypercar manufacturer reportedly interested in signing him should he become available.
• The Bearman-Colapinto Incident: At Suzuka's Spoon Curve, Bearman approached Colapinto's recharging Alpine with a closing speed of roughly 50 km/h. When Colapinto moved left to defend, Bearman took to the grass to avoid a collision, hitting the barrier at 191 mph and registering a 50G impact.
• Driver Frustration: Bearman revealed on the Up to Speed podcast that drivers had agreed on Friday to show "more respect" due to the high speed deltas. He stated Colapinto's move, while perhaps acceptable with a smaller speed difference, was dangerous and unacceptable under the current rules, noting he was "lucky" not to have caused a worse crash.
• Regulatory Fallout: The crash prompted the FIA to announce a review of the 2026 energy management regulations, with several drivers voicing safety concerns about the unpredictable speed differences between cars.

What's next:

The scrutiny on F1's 2026 rules is immediate, with the FIA's review likely to lead to clarifications or adjustments on how drivers should behave during energy recovery phases. For Verstappen, his future remains the sport's biggest subplot. While committed to Red Bull for now, the sustained interest from the booming WEC championship—which is attracting brands like McLaren and Ford—provides a credible alternative should he ever seek a new challenge outside F1's political landscape.