Frightening Crash, Protesters Highlight Wild First Lap in F1 British Grand Prix

It only took 21 seconds for all hell to break loose in Sunday’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

On the race’s start as the field headed into turn 1, Pierre Gasly tried to charge between Zhou Guanyu and George Russell but was pinched when Russell moved to close the gap. Gasly slowed and Russell’s car moved down into Zhou, with the front-left of Russell’s car being run over by the right-rear of Zhou’s. Zhou spun then went airborne.

The car continued upside down sliding trough the run-off area, flew over a tire barricade and hit the catch fence bottom-side of the car first, coming to rest between the catch fence and the barricade.

George Russell stopped his car and immediately ran to the scene to check on Zhou as safety crews arrived on scene as the race was red flagged.

TOPSHOT – Alfa Romeo Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu is seen in the crash barriers during an incident at the star during the Formula One British Grand Prix at the Silverstone motor racing circuit in Silverstone, central England on July 3, 2022. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

It took nearly 15 minutes, but Zhou was eventually removed and taken out on a stretcher, with the team reporting he was conscious and moving as the medical team took him to the care center.

“Considering the circumstances, he’s pretty well,” his team said.

Alex Albon was also swept up in the melee being sent headfirst into the inside wall as the field slowed behind. He would later be flown from the track to a local hospital for further tests.

Russell tried to get back in his car but couldn’t get it started. He ran back to the garage in an attempt to get the team to get the car started. However, as he did so safety crews removed the car, and the FIA ruled the British driver could not return to the race.

“Glad to hear Zhou is doing OK, a horrific incident,” he told Sky Sports. “There was no grip on the hardest compound, I got swamped by many cars, I got

touched and touched Zhou and that was it.”

“I got out of the car to see if Zhou was OK… apparently as soon as you get assistance [his car was put on the back of a truck], you can’t restart. It’s very frustrating as the car just had a puncture and we had the pace to get back to sixth.

“We’re trying [to appeal]. It’s one of those unique circumstances…”

The red flag seemed to come at an opportune time as reports surfaced that a group of protesters had invaded the track and were removed by police.

During the 40-minute red flag the FIA released a statement that read: “We can confirm that after the red flag, several people attempted to enter the track. These people were immediately removed, and the matter is now being dealt with by the local authorities.”

Local police had said earlier in the week that they had “credible intelligence” of plans for a protest to disrupt the F1 British Grand Prix.

A police statement read: “First of all, I want to appeal directly to this group of people and strongly urge you to not put yourselves, the drivers, as well as the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public, at risk.

Police later said seven people were arrested.

Police spokesperson Tom Thompson said: “I’m really disappointed that this group of people ignored our warnings prior to race day and made the incredibly dangerous decision to enter the track.

“We offered to facilitate a peaceful event at the circuit, but they instead chose to put the lives of the drivers, marshals and volunteers at risk.

“It is incredibly disappointing that anyone would make the decision to do this.

“Thankfully we had plans in place for an eventuality such as this and the group were swiftly removed and arrested by our officers.

“All seven are currently in custody where their details are being ascertained.

“Finally, I would like to thank all of the officers and staff, as well as our partners, who have worked tirelessly on this policing operation.

“Generally, we have had very low crime rates, today’s incident was dealt with effectively and efficiently, and I could not have asked for more.”

Carlos Sainz would go on to win.

“Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan, you are jeopardising lives.

“Protesting is of course everyone’s human right in this country, and we are more than happy to speak with you to help you facilitate a peaceful protest at the circuit, we just please ask that you do not create a situation that puts lives in danger.”

Sundays were not the first time protesters have used the Silverstone track to draw attention during the race.

In 2003 a priest got onto the circuit and ran down the Hangar Straight during the race. In 2020, the police arrested four Extinction Rebellion environmental protesters who snuck onto the circuit to hang an “Act Now!” banner.

 

Greg Engle

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