The British Grand Prix went right down to the wire as Carlos Sainz ultimately won the race. However, a horrifying crash, just after the start of the race, sent shock waves across the world. Lap 1 witnessed an appalling incident involving Zhou Guanyu, which resulted in the race being red-flagged.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Pierre Gasly was sandwiched between Russell and Zhou, and ultimately his car touched the Mercedes. Following this, Russell collided with Zhou’s Alfa Romeo, which flipped the Chinese driver’s car into the gravel and onto the barriers at high speed.
The 23-year-old rookie was immediately rushed to the hospital for checks. Thankfully, he did not suffer any injury. After the race, Zhou posted a picture of himself with a message saying, “I’m ok, all clear. Halo saved me today. Thanks everyone for your kind messages!”
Halo once again saved the day. Earlier, Roy Nissany was also involved in an accident during the F2 race and had the halo to thank. Since its introduction in 2018, it has arguably saved countless drivers from suffering life-threatening injuries.
The replays and the pictures of Zhou’s car rotating and eventually getting stuck in the barriers were frightening. The F1 fans expressed their views on Twitter about these shocking images.
F1 twitter reacts to the shocking images of Zhou Guanyu stuck behind the barrier
The photograph from Ben Stansill of Getty gathered attention on social media as fans could not believe the sight. As a result, they sang praises of the halo which saved Zhou from a terrible accident. Furthermore, the video of the incident from the stands looked terrifying as well.
Shocking photograph, taken by Ben Stansill of AFP/Getty, that shows Guanyu Zhou wedged between the catch-fence and the tyre wall Truly remarkable he made it out alive, letalone without a broken bone or serious injury #BritishGP
holy shit, halo really saved zhou’s life
Earlier picture came fro Ben Stansill. Higher quality below shows how amazing Zhou’s escape was. No fire, no post on his helmet, the car basically did it’s job and protected him.
Zhou initially trapped when car came to a rest. Astonishing image from Ben Stansill. #F1
This picture of Zhou Guanyu’s car yesterday is a madness! Unreal that he was back up and walking around a few hours later 💪🏼
Vladamir Rhys is another photographer who captured Zhou’s car flipping on the track of Silverstone. Like the rest, he also could not believe how the Alfa Romeo man got out of the car with no damages.
A statement from the photographer who took that stunning photo of @ZhouGuanyu24 upside down we shared earlier #F1 #BritishGP #Halo
I can see your #Halo #BritishGrandPrix @ZhouGuanyu24
The driver’s safety is a vital part of today’s Formula 1 world. And the invention of halo has, time and again, proved to be one of the best creations in the sport.
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 F1 Crashes Which Stunned the World
Meanwhile, lap 1 also saw another incident involving several drivers. Albon’s Williams crashed into the right-hand side barriers as he attempted to slow down after Zhou’s incident. He was taken to the hospital for checks. Like Zhou, he also, fortunately, did not suffer any injuries.