Zhou Guanyu has escaped a horrifying crash at the first corner of the British Grand Prix, when his Alfa Romeo was hit by George Russell’s Mercedes and flipped. It skidded upside down across the gravel, dug in, and was launched over the tire barrier into the catch fence.
The Chinese driver was then trapped for several minutes as his car was trapped between the fence and the tires, but was extracted conscious and talking.
He was then taken to Silverstone’s medical center where he was declared fit and well around 90 minutes after the crash.
“It was a big crash and I’m glad I’m ok,” said Zhou. “The marshals and the medical team at the track were fantastic with their quick response.
”I also owe my thanks to the FIA and Formula 1 for all the work they have done, and they keep doing, to improve the safety of our cars: the Halo saved me today, and it goes to show that every step we take in improving our cars has real, valuable results.
“I’m keener than ever to get back on track and do what I love: I’m fit and I’m looking forward to Austria next week.”
At the same time as Zhou’s crash, another collision further down the field saw Alex Albon shunted into the wall and then spun across the circuit where he hit two other cars. After being transferred to the medical centre, he was taken to Coventry hospital for precautionary checks and discharged later in the evening
The race was stopped as soon as the crash took place, which threatened protestors who had invaded the circuit.