Ollie Bearman reveals full impact of terrifying Japan GP crash that could have been 'a lot worse'

Ollie Bearman has spoken about the aftermath of his high-speed crash at Suzuka involving Franco Colapinto that left him struggling to move.

The Haas driver has enjoyed an incredible start to the new era of Formula 1, currently sitting seventh in the driver standings ahead of four-time world champion Max Verstappen despite his DNF.

Bearman was forced onto the grass at spoon curve due to the significant closing speed, with Colapinto's Alpine super clipping and slowing down due to the new engine regulations.

Haas confirmed that the Brit escaped with no fractures from the crash, but suffered a "right-knee contusion".

The crash raised serious concerns about the safety of the new regulations, with Carlos Sainz calling for the FIA to take action ahead of the Miami GP following the incident.

Following the driver backlash, the FIA agreed to hold meetings in April over potential tweaks to the regulations, but admitted any changes would 'require careful simulation and detailed analysis'.

Bearman reveals extent of Suzuka injury

Concerns for Bearman grew when he was spotted limping onto a bullet train in Tokyo the day after the race, and speaking exclusively to SPORTbible he revealed the true extent of the damage.

"Yeah, I'm all good, thank you for asking I appreciate it," Bearman confirmed.

However, the 20-year-old admitted that it took time to recover, with swelling on his knee from the impact making travelling back from Suzuka quite the challenge.

He continued: "It was a tough travel just because obviously after that, I wasn't moving very much.

"I had a bit of swelling on the knee, but everything's okay now, luckily, it was the right knee so I was okay."

The Ferrari academy driver was actually back behind the wheel within days of the collision, helping his younger brother Thomas, who is competing in Italian F4 this season, practice on the simulator.

"Actually, I was back driving on the simulator by Wednesday or Thursday, because my brother and I were practicing for an endurance race on the weekend," he explained.

"It could have been a lot worse. So very, very thankful and looking forward to getting back out in Miami."

Bearman and Haas will be looking to rebuild momentum next month in Miami, where there will be eight extra points up for grabs with the second sprint race of the season.