Billy Monger Claims Pole at Same Circuit Where Accident Took Place

Double amputee Billy Monger claimed his first pole position since his return to racing, on his first visit to Donington Park since his horrific accident at the circuit last year.

Monger, 19, lost both legs after driving into the back of a rival’s stationary car at a British Formula 4 race held at the Leicestershire circuit last April. The 19-year-old has returned to racing this year and has claimed podiums in British Formula 3 races at Oulton Park — the first race since his return — and at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Earlier this year, Monger mimicked Daniel Ricciardo’s “shoey” celebration by drinking champagne out of his prosthetic leg, which he has nicknamed the “leggy.” Unfortunately, it was not one he was able to replicate, as he finished the 12-lap race that followed in fourth position.

“To come back here, with the meaning this circuit has to me and my first race back here, to get pole is an awesome way for me to start the weekend,” Monger said. “It’s something that I knew was doable, especially after the last few rounds, where we’ve come so close and I’ve made mistakes. Today was all about doing the job and we’ve definitely done that.”

Monger was invited to last year’s British Grand Prix as a guest of Lewis Hamilton. The reigning world champion has frequently spoken in glowing terms about his fellow countryman and took him for a lap of the Silverstone circuit during the launch day of Mercedes’ 2018 car earlier this year.

Monger has been somewhat of an inspiration to many drivers. His determination even in the face of great adversity has won him many fans. After his accident, his team set up a fund-raising page to pay for his treatment. Just 7 months after the crash, Monger announced that he was returning to racing. As of now, he is currently 7th in the British Formula 3 championship.

The British youngster has said that Formula 1 has always been his goal, both before and after the accident. It is certainly heart-warming to see the never-say-die attitude of the 19-year old.