Although F1 is a brilliant and adrenaline-pumping sport, it is incredibly dangerous if things go wrong. Every death in F1 including marshals, staff and spectators should be remembered. We also learn lots about what needs to change due to these awful crashes.
As a result of many crashes and fatalities, safety regulations have been adjusted to ensure nothing like this happens again. However, many argue that things will never advance to complete security. The FIA and car manufacturers have an obligation to ensure maximum safety of their drivers. But can anyone make a vehicle that withstands hitting a wall at 200 mph?
All crashes are truly heart-breaking, and by no means are they being forgotten. In this article, we will go over some of the most devastating crashes ever in Formula 1 from 1950 onwards. As well as this, we also touch on the progression within the motorsport community and the argument of if this should be a sport altogether.
1953- Charles De Tornaco
During the 1953 Modena Grand Prix Practice, Tornaco’s Ferrari spun out of control and he hit his head harshly. There was no doctor or medical assistance team on the track at this time. Due to this, he had to be taken to the hospital in a car and unfortunately died from serious head trauma. He was only 26 years old.
Although he didn’t cause a direct reform, his death along with others pushed the FIA to increase safety. This includes having medical professionals on the track at all times. Perhaps if this had happened sooner, deaths could have been prevented.
1960- Chris Bristow, Alan Stacey
The 1960 Belgian Grand Prix has the label of “One of the darkest days in F1”. During the race there were poor conditions which ultimately claimed two lives.
After being thrown out of his cooper and onto a wired fence, Bristow faced many injuries. As a result of this, he passed away. He was only 22 years old, his age shocking people all over in the world of motorsports.
Shortly after he died other British racer Alan Stacey crashed his lotus car after a bird hit his face. This turned into a fire, which caused his death.
The two deaths caused a great sadness amongst the F1 community and goes on to be remembered today as a tragedy.
The deaths changed lots of things. The old Spa layout was dangerous, with uneven surfaces and little run off. Now, it is much more safe to race on; the wire that decapitated Bristow is now non-existent at tracks and also proper barriers with runoff areas are present; seatbelts are now mandatory (as of 1960), and also helmets are stronger and all closed-faced.
These are things that we now take for granted, however due to these tragedies more people spoke out for change and safety, leading us where we are today.
1974- Helmuth Konigg
During the 1974 United States Grand Prix, Konigg’s second ever f1 GP race, he sadly passed in a rather gruesome way. After a suspension malfunction, he spun out of the race, crashing into the barrier. His car slid under the Armco barrier at a surprisingly low speed and this decapitated him immediately on impact. Due to the improper installation of the barriers, the top one acted as a guillotine whilst the bottom bent. Shamelessly, authorities simply put a tarp sheet over his car and body until the race ended.
Unfortunately, no immediate action happened as a result of his heart-breaking death. However, now more secure barriers are in place- like the tire barriers. Also, regular safety checks are done and add ons like the HALO continuously saves drivers today.
1982- Riccardo Paletti
After Pironi’s Ferrari stalled, many drivers moved around his stationary car quickly. However, since he was at the back, Paletti was already at a high speed. He then collided with Pironi. His youth – as well as the fact that he had only completed one GP in F1 previously – shocked many. Rescuers as well as Pironi himself rushed to help him out. Despite efforts, his car lit up in flames and it took 1 minute to put it out. Ultimately, Paletti faced internal chest trauma and passed in the hospital.
His death pushed for change. Now mandatory fire extinguishers are everywhere. As well as this, there’s a better design for formula 1 cars and their components. The cockpit is more easily accessible in emergencies. The fact that he had safety concerns prior to the race adds to how devastating the crash truly was.
1994- Roland Ratzenberger, Ayrton Senna
These are perhaps the most infamous deaths in the formula 1 world. They happened a day apart from each other- at the same Grand Prix- and sent shock everywhere.
During the Qualifying race in San Marino, Ratzenberger’s front wing was clipped and, in an attempt to secure a spot, he pushed through the next lap. Unaware of the fatal consequences, he hit the wall at a high speed and unfortunately, this killed him. He suffered a ruptured aorta and fractured skull.
The very next day, Ayrton Senna tragically passed too. His car hit the concrete barrier and the impact killed him. A post-mortem analysis of the car highlighted the cause of death- vehicle failure. After his body was recovered, officials found an Austrian flag in his car. His plan was to raise the flag at the end of the race in tribute of Ratzenberger. This made his death all the more tragic.
Because of the tragedies, the race tracks are now safer. As well as this, the Formula 1 Drivers’ Union was re-opened and the development of more f1 driving equipment is now present too. For example the HANS device.
2014- Jules Bianchi
During the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, conditions were extremely wet and harsh. Whilst a recovery vehicle recovered another car, Bianchi crashed into it. He hit his head on the crane and suffered from a traumatic brain injury as a result.
His death was the last push for changing the car structure. The HALO now saves many lives in F1 thanks to Jules Bianchi. As well as this, more drivers now speak out against safety concerns. For example, George Russell asking for a Red Flag due to his crash in the middle of the track.
The Argument
Many argue to this day that it is too much of a dangerous sport to have. At any time danger is a possibility for the drivers, and its simply not worth the adrenaline nor the titles. No matter how much safety precautions “advance”, it will never be safe, and it is only a matter of time before another death occurs.
All of these deaths were tragic accidents, they can very easily occur again. Also, the argument that technology always has the capacity to fail and malfunction runs through motorsports opposers arguments.
However, F1 and motorsport fans argue that safety has come a long way and its been a long time since fatalities have happened. We have learned things along the way, so axing Formula 1 could be a dishonour to those who gave their lives for the sport. Drivers know the risks and we shouldn’t take away their free will to choose if they want to drive. Ultimately, its personal choice.
Every Racer who has died paved the way for modern day racing, and set the foundations of safety advances. Death happens at any age yet it is a tragedy that many drivers faced it so young and in so many preventable situations.
Overall, there’s many ups and downs in any activity. Formula one isn’t exempt to criticism, nor accidents; but what do you think- should F1 be a sport, or is it far too dangerous?
Let us know your ideas.