Zhou Guanyu says he is “keener than ever” to get back behind the wheel after a huge crash at the start of the British Grand Prix.
The Chinese driver’s Alfa Romeo was flipped over after contact with George Russell. The car then slid upside down along the track before being flipped again over the barrier into catch-fencing when it hit the gravel.
Today was a reminder that F1 remains a high-speed, high-risk sport that is always right on the edge.
We are so thankful to the advances in safety that mean both Zhou Guanyu and Alex Albon are safe and well. pic.twitter.com/BJ8PPDG2av
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 3, 2022
Though the roll-hoop failed, Zhou was protected by the Halo for the entire crash. And he hailed the cockpit device and everyone who assisted his rescue from the wreckage.
“It was a big crash and I’m glad I’m okay,” he said. “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 and it goes to show every step we take in improving our cars has real, valuable results.”
Rather than be deterred by the serious crash, Zhou can’t wait for this weekend’s race in Spielberg.
“I’m keener than ever to get back on track and do what I love,” he stated. “I’m fit and I’m looking forward to Austria.”
Finished the final medical check, all good to go! Thanks to all of the people who supported me during this time, means the world. ❤️ #AustrianGP LET’S GO! ?? pic.twitter.com/VdArFWcRoB
— 周冠宇 | Zhou Guanyu ?? (@ZhouGuanyu24) July 7, 2022
Among those first on the scene was Russell himself, who effectively sacrificed his own race by getting out of his car to run over to Zhou.
When he got there, the Alfa Romeo had come to rest in a small gap between the catch fence and the metal barrier behind the tyres meaning the driver himself had no chance to get out.
And the Mercedes driver, who is a GPDA director, was very concerned by the position Zhou’s car was in.
“Firstly I’m glad to see Zhou’s OK,” he said.
“An incredibly scary incident, not just for him but for everyone in the crowd as well, it’s never nice to see.
“It was horrible, in that position he was stuck there, nothing he could have done.
“We need to have a think to avoid a car being stuck in such a fine gap – the space between the barriers and the metal fence and he was just stuck in there, nowhere to go. Something to learn.”
It’s not the first time George Russell has gone out of his way to help a fellow driver ❤️
(h/t @callum_ilott) pic.twitter.com/ZAXEQwWmNt
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) July 4, 2022