Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu involved in scary crash that flipped his car at British Grand Prix

Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY
·2 min read

During the first lap Sunday at the British Grand Prix, Chinese Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu was involved in an intense crash that flipped his car and sent it skidding across the pavement before it flipped into a barrier against a fence.

During the crash, the car of driver George Russell appeared to be struck from behind, which sent Russell's car into Zhou's Alfa Romeo.

Zhou's car flipped immediately after that initial contact and skidded for several hundred feet across the track and then the gravel trap before its momentum sent it hurtling over the tire barrier and into a space between the barrier and the fence.

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Zhou's car skidded across its "halo," a rounded bar that runs above where the driver is seated and protects the driver's head.

Zhou, 23, posted a message to his verified Twitter account with a photo that showed him seemingly unscathed and smiling, indicating that he was well and that the halo was crucial in keeping him safe.

"I’m ok, all clear," Zhou tweeted. "Halo saved me today. Thanks everyone for your kind messages!"

Russell, who was red flagged, sprinted from his car to the tire barrier to check on Zhou.

Alfa Romeo team manager Beat Zehnder told the broadcast team at Sky Sport moments after the crash that Zhou was speaking to crew and was being transferred to a medical facility in Silverstone, England, where the race was held.

According to FIA, the governing body for F1, Williams Racing driver Alexander Albon was also evaluated for possible medical treatment after Albon’s car spun into the pit wall.

"Both drivers were conscious and will be evaluated at the medical center," the FIA said. "Further updates will be given in due course."

Alfa Romeo driver Guanyu Zhou of China crashes at the start of the British Formula One Grand Prix.
Alfa Romeo driver Guanyu Zhou of China crashes at the start of the British Formula One Grand Prix.

The drivers returned to the pits to await a restart.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz, Jr. would go on to win the British Grand Prix, his first career F1 event victory, with an official time of 2:17:50.311. Mexican Sergio Pérez (+3.779) and British racer Lewis Hamilton (+6.225) finished in second and third, respectively.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu in scary crash at British Grand Prix

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