Gabriel Bortoleto faced a significant setback at his home race in Brazil after crashing during the sprint event on Saturday. The incident occurred at Turn 1 as he attempted to overtake Alex Albon on the final lap of the shortened race.
Bortoleto’s Crash Details
At a speed of 339 kilometers per hour, Bortoleto lost control of his car and collided with the wall. The impact metrics were alarming, with car sensors recording a G-force of 34G on the initial hit and 57G on the subsequent impact. Remarkably, he emerged unscathed from the crash, although his vehicle was left irreparably damaged.
Challenges for Sauber
- The crash raised immediate concerns for Sauber’s team as they faced a significant repair task.
- Less than four hours were available between the end of the sprint and the start of qualifying, complicating the situation.
Despite the crash, F1 regulations stipulate that Bortoleto can still participate in the Sunday race. He qualified for the sprint and met the 107% rule based on the week’s practice sessions.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Notably, the crash seemed unusual, as Bortoleto had spun out while maneuvering off the racing line. Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber’s chief, mentioned that it was too early to determine the exact cause of the incident. He expressed relief that Bortoleto was unharmed, highlighting the impressive safety measures in place in Formula 1.
“This crash was one of the largest I’ve witnessed recently, and I’m just glad he walked away,” Wheatley stated. Bortoleto underwent a precautionary examination at the medical center at the circuit and, according to updates, he was reported to be in good health.
Wheatley further acknowledged the FIA’s persistent efforts to enhance safety standards, which contributed to Bortoleto’s well-being after such a severe incident.
Conclusion
The ability of drivers to withstand high-impact crashes speaks volumes about the advancements in safety technology within the sport. With the Brazilian GP approaching, fans and teams alike wait to see if Bortoleto can recover in time to take the grid.
