A dramatic incident unfolded during the Formula 2 Sprint Race in Spielberg, Austria, leading to the suspension of the race after just two laps. A three-car pile-up at Turn 3 resulted in driver Sami Meguetounif’s car landing upside down on top of fellow competitor Luke Browning’s vehicle.
The crash occurred as the tight right-hander proved too constricted for maneuvering, resulting in Meguetounif being squeezed off track. After hitting the right-front tire of Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad, Meguetounif’s car hit a curb and took flight, colliding with Browning, who was navigating the turn at the same moment. Remarkably, both drivers emerged from the incident without serious injuries, with the safety halo device likely playing a crucial role in protecting them—this device can endure forces up to 12,000 kg.
As the race was halted to clear debris and ensure driver safety, Meguetounif, Browning, and Lindblad all confirmed they were unharmed. After a delay of thirty minutes, the race resumed under a rolling restart led by Joshua Durksen.
However, chaos struck again shortly after the safety car was withdrawn, with a second incident at Turn 3 involving Dino Beganovic, who was left stranded after colliding with Oliver Goethe. This was followed by a final lap pile-up that involved four cars when Amaury Cordeel spun in front of them, preventing several drivers from gaining valuable points.
Despite the misadventures, Campos Racing’s Pepe Marti ultimately crossed the finish line first. The incidents sparked mixed reactions from fans, with one likening it to a game of bumper cars. The safety measures in place have once again demonstrated their effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of continued advancements in racing safety.
The halo device, which faced criticism when first introduced, has now shown its value in several high-stakes situations, which include notable crashes involving drivers like Romain Grosjean and Guanyu Zhou. Even F1 star Lewis Hamilton acknowledged its role in keeping him safe during a significant crash in 2021.
This race serves as a reminder of the risks in motorsport, but also highlights the advancements in safety technology that are crucial to protecting drivers on the track.