A record Silverstone crowd was left stunned when things went literally off the rails to commence one of Formula 1‘s cornerstone races.
An incredibly scary start saw Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu career off track at the first turn, upside down; slide across the gravel, flip over the tyre wall and cradle into a gap between the wall and spectator fence. By that stage, Guanyu’s Alpha Romeo was well and truly smashed up.
It’s a miracle that Zhou Guanyu escaped his Alfa Romeo alive.
— Ben Thomas (@Benfthomas_10) July 3, 2022
Thank god for the Halo????????#SilverstoneGP #F1 #BritishGP
pic.twitter.com/qyvs0IS5Da
We’ve been told the driver (Zhou Guanyu) is OK which is the most important thing. No real injuries in the crowd, everyone is only concerned for the driver. pic.twitter.com/k8aJo2J6En
— Scott Helme (@Scott_Helme) July 3, 2022
And what happened next defied belief as well. At his home event, British rising star George Russell reacted selflessly and heroically. The 24-year-old has been enjoying a breakout season, having finished top five in every race so far this season. But his human instincts took precedence over his competitive juices, jumping out of his car and racing over to check on his fellow driver’s safety – an act which became a big sacrifice, as he was unable to continue racing.
George Russell jumped out of his car and ran over to see if he could help Zhou Guanyu
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 3, 2022
Russell was not allowed to restart the race
Respect ???? pic.twitter.com/7uL1HYR6gv
nah man, it’s days like this that i genuinely couldn’t be prouder of supporting a person like him. disappointing result, but he has a kind heart and today he showed the person that he is. pic.twitter.com/sTOtNE5jcF
— francesca (@winterfxlcon) July 3, 2022
Russell was a part of the initial tangle with Pierre Gasly that caused the incredibly scary moment. Because Russell left his Mercedes unattended, marshals had touched his vehicle, deeming ‘outside assistance’; ending his home race on a technicality.
this was George and the marshalls moments after getting to Zhou ???? pic.twitter.com/Iw5sBNtVuT
— nic ???? (@nnicolef1) July 3, 2022
The race that followed was one for the ages, with lead changes and hot podium battles. Carlos Sainz ultimately took line honours, but Russell’s efforts will remain in our memories even longer.
That’s what it’s all about.
