Sophia Florsch Provides Update on Condition

F3 driver Sophia Florsch was involved in a frightening crash earlier today in Macau. As it turned out, she suffered a brake failure and was sent airborne, straight into a building.

Florsch has confirmed she will go undergo surgery after surviving a horrific crash which left five people injured in the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 17-year-old, who drives in the F3 European Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing, was sent flying over the barriers into a building at a reported 171.6mph after losing control of her car.

Footage of the incident surfaced online showing the true extent on the crash and the official medical report from the race confirmed she had fractured her spine.

Florsch, who has links with Mercedes AMG F1’s young driver program, tweeted an update to her followers saying that she was “fine” despite the heavy impact.

The FIA, the motor racing governing body which presides over F3, confirmed in a statement on Sunday morning that Florsch and another driver, Sho Tsuboi of Japan, were taken to a local hospital along with two members of the media and a race marshal.

An FIA statement read: “A serious incident has occurred on lap 4 of the 2018 FIA F3 World Cup at Macau involving car #25 Sophia Florsch (GER).

“Following evaluation by medical staff, the driver is conscious and has subsequently been taken to hospital for further evaluation.

“The driver of car #31 Sho Tsuboi (JPN), as well as two members of the media and one marshal, were also transferred to a local hospital in a conscious state for further evaluation.”

Formula 1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg posted messages on their respective Twitter accounts wishing Florsch a full recovery.

McLaren’s Alonso wrote: “All my thoughts are with Sophia Florsch after the accident at Macau. Let’s hope to receive positive news soon! Keep strong.”

Hulkenberg, who drives for Renault, said: “Just saw the horrible pictures from Macau… my thoughts are with @SophiaFloersch and the other people involved. Stay strong!!”