F1 star FLIPS upside down in terrifying multi-car c…read more
During the sprint race of the Formula 2 weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix, a frightening incident unfolded involving rising French driver Sami Meguetounif. The crash occurred in the early moments of the race and involved multiple cars, resulting in Meguetounif’s car flipping upside down in a dramatic and dangerous sequence.
The incident began when Meguetounif, who races for the Trident team, attempted a bold overtaking maneuver on Arvid Lindblad — a highly rated Red Bull junior driver — as they approached Turn 3, a known overtaking hotspot on the Red Bull Ring circuit. Meguetounif dived down the inside of Lindblad, trying to gain position, but the two cars made contact in the tight braking zone. The collision triggered a chain reaction, with Meguetounif’s car launching upward and flipping onto its roof.
In a harrowing scene, the flipped car skidded across the track on its roll hoop and halo device, scraping over the top of both Lindblad’s and fellow competitor Luke Browning’s vehicles. The safety structures on all three cars played a vital role in preventing serious injuries, particularly the halo, which is designed to protect the driver’s head in exactly these types of incidents.
Once the dust settled, Meguetounif’s car was seen resting upside down on the track, while both Lindblad and Browning were forced to stop immediately due to the debris and chaos. The race was immediately red-flagged by officials to allow emergency crews to safely reach the scene and assess the situation. Fortunately, despite the severity of the crash, early reports indicate that all three drivers escaped without major injury, thanks to the advanced safety features of modern Formula 2 cars and the rapid response of the trackside marshals.
The crash not only brought the race to a temporary halt but also served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in motorsport, particularly in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 2, where young drivers are pushing the limits to make their mark and climb the ladder toward Formula 1.
As for Meguetounif, who has been gaining recognition in the junior racing scene, the crash marks a significant and frightening moment in his career. However, his resilience and safety were the most important outcomes. The incident also underscored the importance of the FIA’s continuous efforts to improve driver safety.
Meanwhile, the Formula 1 paddock remains abuzz with other headlines, including speculation around Red Bull’s driver lineup and Mercedes’ ongoing interest in Max Verstappen — a situation that could shake up the grid in seasons to come.
