Charles Leclerc’s Italian Grand Prix ended in terrifying fashion after the Ferrari driver crashed into a tyre barrier at approximately 160mph during a disastrous start to his team’s home race, reports BritPanorama.
The Monegasque lost control of his car while battling McLaren rival Oscar Piastri for fourth position during the second lap at Monza. Leclerc appeared to run wide on the exit of the Curva Parabolica, one of the fastest and most demanding corners on the Formula One calendar.
His Ferrari travelled rapidly across the gravel trap before slamming heavily into the tyre wall, leaving the car with extensive damage. The dramatic accident brought an immediate end to Leclerc’s race and prompted officials to display the red flag.
Concern quickly turned towards the 28-year-old’s condition after he climbed out of the wreckage and sat down on the grass behind the barrier. Leclerc appeared to be in discomfort while speaking to medical personnel who arrived at the scene. He gestured towards his neck as he attempted to explain where he was experiencing pain following the high-speed impact.
However, he was able to stand and wave towards the concerned supporters watching from the Monza grandstands. Some members of Ferrari’s passionate Tifosi appeared to be in tears after seeing Leclerc’s Italian Grand Prix hopes end so suddenly. He was subsequently taken to the circuit’s medical centre for precautionary examinations, with Ferrari facing an anxious wait for further information about his condition.
The crash completed a chaotic opening two laps for Leclerc, who had already been involved in a tense incident with team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the first chicane. The two Ferrari drivers went wheel-to-wheel while competing for third place, with Hamilton believing he had been forced off the circuit by Leclerc. Hamilton, who had started the race from fourth on the grid, dropped down the order during the frenetic early stages.
Ferrari entered their home Grand Prix carrying the expectations of thousands of supporters hoping to see the famous Italian team challenge for victory. Instead, one car was badly damaged within minutes of the start, while their other driver had already fallen four positions. There had also been significant drama at the front of the field before the suspension, as Pierre Gasly, who began the race from pole position, was unable to maintain his advantage beyond the opening lap.
George Russell launched an attack at the beginning of lap two and successfully fought his way ahead of Gasly to assume the lead. The race was halted only moments later as marshals attended to Leclerc’s damaged Ferrari and began repairing the barrier. Piastri, who had been challenging Leclerc immediately before the accident, escaped the incident and was able to continue. Attention inside the Ferrari garage remained fixed on Leclerc, with the severity of the impact and his apparent neck discomfort creating concern.
In the high-octane world of Formula One, today’s race at Monza served as a stark reminder that speed can quickly turn to chaos, leaving teams to grapple with both disappointment and relief as they await news of their driver’s health amid intense scrutiny.
