A dramatic incident unfolded at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix as Red Bull driver Sergio Perez crashed into the barriers, sending photographers scrambling for safety. One of them ended up at the medical center after being struck by debris from the crash.
The incident occurred on the very first lap of the race. Replays show Perez’s car being clipped by Kevin Magnussen’s Haas, resulting in a violent impact with the barriers. Both Perez and Magnussen’s teammate Nico Hulkenberg were forced out of the race.
Disturbing footage captured the moment of impact, with Perez’s car careening into the barriers directly in front of a group of photographers. Thankfully, they were able to react quickly and avoid serious injury. Thankfully, the photographer who ended up in the medical center was sustained and with no open wounds, so was released shortly after the incident.
Perez took the worst of the accident. Just look at his car at 00:45 of this video. Thankfully, Sergio was not seriously harmed even though his car was completely smashed. He shared on Instagram that he was fine, hoping photographers, marshals, and two other drivers were also fine.
“The most important thing today is that we can all go home. It was a very serious and completely unnecessary accident from my point of view,” Sergio wrote. “I also hope that every photographer that was in the area is ok.”
The incident raises concerns about photographer safety at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite being the slowest track on the Formula One calendar, photographers work mere inches from cars hurtling past at speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h). Broadcast footage throughout the race highlighted this proximity, raising questions about the adequacy of the protective barriers.
This close call is a stark reminder of photographers’ risks at high-speed events. And this isn’t the first incident involving photographers at a Formula 1 race. As Formula 1’s most prestigious race, with a history exceeding 70 years, the Monaco Grand Prix should prioritize the safety of all personnel involved, including photographers at the trackside.
[via PetaPixel]
