F2 Chaos at Austrian GP: Sami Meguetounif Flips in Shocking Multi-Car Crash
A terrifying moment unfolded during the sprint race of the Formula 2 weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix, as French rising star Sami Meguetounif was involved in a dramatic crash that saw his car flip upside down in a multi-car incident. The crash happened early in the race and brought proceedings to a sudden halt, leaving fans and paddock members in shock.
The incident started when Meguetounif, driving for the Trident team, attempted an ambitious overtaking move on Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad while approaching Turn 3 — a notorious braking zone and overtaking opportunity at the Red Bull Ring. Trying to capitalize on a gap down the inside, Meguetounif lunged forward in an attempt to snatch the position. However, there wasn’t enough room, and contact was inevitable. The cars collided in the braking zone, and the contact sent Meguetounif’s car airborne.
The situation quickly escalated as Meguetounif’s car flipped and landed upside down. As it skidded across the track, the vehicle scraped over the top of Lindblad’s car and also involved another driver, Luke Browning, in the unfolding chaos. The horrifying visual of a car sliding on its roof sparked concern across the paddock and fans worldwide.
Fortunately, the safety structures of modern Formula 2 cars performed their roles perfectly. The roll hoop and the halo device — which sits above the driver’s head to deflect debris and protect against direct impacts — absorbed the brunt of the forces and shielded Meguetounif from serious harm. These innovations, now standard in F2 and F1, have repeatedly proven to be lifesaving, and once again they delivered when it mattered most.
Immediately after the crash, the race was red-flagged to allow emergency teams to access the scene and assist the drivers. Meguetounif’s car came to a rest upside down on the circuit, and both Lindblad and Browning had to retire from the race due to the collision and scattered debris. Medical personnel were quick to respond, and initial reports confirmed that all three drivers escaped without significant injuries — a testament to the effectiveness of modern motorsport safety protocols.
The crash served as a stark reminder of the high-risk nature of junior formula racing. In Formula 2, young talents are often pushing themselves and their machinery to the limits in hopes of attracting attention from Formula 1 teams. Meguetounif, who has been building a reputation as one of the most promising drivers in the junior ranks, will no doubt reflect on the incident as a pivotal moment in his career — both frightening and formative.
Meanwhile, attention in the Formula 1 paddock remains high, with rumors swirling around Red Bull Racing’s future driver lineup and Mercedes reportedly maintaining interest in Red Bull’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Amid these big-league developments, the F2 crash reminded everyone of the constant danger lurking in motorsport, and how even on a developmental stage, the stakes are incredibly high.
