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.
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.
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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 pic.twitter.com/1T7L0W2TZQ
— Jack de Menezes (@JackdeMenezes) July 3, 2022
holy shit, halo really saved zhou’s life pic.twitter.com/Y3bqAMV7a5
— james (@ScenarioSeven) July 3, 2022
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. https://t.co/jwLUYQJj2s
— I had rights.. (@crassbstard) July 3, 2022
zhou guanyu i'm so fucking glad you're okay pic.twitter.com/V9EJWaqCKz
— leen (@LEENIAJ) July 3, 2022
This picture of Zhou Guanyu’s car yesterday is a madness! Unreal that he was back up and walking around a few hours later 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/sjognZEYLW
— 𝕾𝕵𝕻 (@SJP1905) July 4, 2022
This view of Zhou Guanyu crash yesterday at silverstone is mental! #f1 #SilverstoneGP #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/zO10uSAEpw
— Alright John (@Bonjour41828975) July 4, 2022
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 pic.twitter.com/s9Jo3VR03O
— FormulaNerds 🤓🏁 (@Formula_Nerds) July 3, 2022
— Virutas de Goma™ (@VirutasF1) July 3, 2022
I can see your #Halo #BritishGrandPrix @ZhouGuanyu24 pic.twitter.com/YEzWnIkmnC
— Dunuke (@DunukeC) July 4, 2022
Wow lucky the halo did it's job Zhou Guanyu pic.twitter.com/lKJdXIA1HZ
— Røxy (@RoxyD27) July 3, 2022
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Insane how far safety has come in this sport, incredibly lucky escape for @ZhouGuanyu24
📷: @vladimirrys pic.twitter.com/EZZW7gPqoR
— EngineMode11 – Lord of the Fraud (@EngineMode11) July 3, 2022
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.
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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.