The worst accidents in the history of Formula 1

The Formula 1 is a spectacular sport which I really like. Many young people dream of becoming a pilot or are content to follow the races on television. However, this sport is not without risks... Formula 1 has indeed known many tragic accidents in its history, which unfortunately led to the death of multiple riders. A look back at the 5 worst accidents in the history of Formula 1.

Number 1: Wolfgang Von Trips (Italian Grand Prix, 1961)

Undoubtedly the most tragic accident in the history of the Formula 1 . Because this one, in addition to leading to the death of the pilot, also leads to that of about fifteen spectators...

It is 1961 and Von Trips , a 33-year-old German, is in the shape of his life and occupies the first place in the world championship standings. It was then that during the 7th Grand Prix of the season, at Monza in Italy, one of his fiercest competitors, Jim Clark, tries to overtake him on the second lap of the race. But the maneuver is missed and a clash takes place between the two cars. That of Von Trips takes off on a hillock and comes crashing down at the place where many spectators were sitting.

Von Trips unfortunately lost his life, as well as 15 spectators , mowed down full force by the single-seater of the German pilot. A real bloodbath in the crowd, this race will remain etched in the memory of all Formula 1 fans of the time.

Number 2: Tom Pryce (South African Grand Prix, 1977)

The most sordid and stupid accident in Formula 1. Everything takes place on the Kyalami circuit, near Johannesburg. Pryce's teammate, Renzo Zorzi, is forced to stop his car following an engine problem and notices a start of fire . No life is in danger given the fact that the pilot had managed to get out of his car.

But unfortunately, a young 19-year-old track commissioner, Jansen Van Vuuren , tries to cross the track a little too hastily and gets hit by Tom Pryce's car. Launched at full speed, it threw the young commissioner into the air, who will fall back to the ground the body in two parts ...

Improbable fact: the fire extinguisher that Jansen Van Vuuren was holding, intended to extinguish the fire, came to hit Pryce directly in the face and him tore off his helmet . Both men died instantly in this accident that could easily have been avoided.

Number 3: Ayrton Senna (San Marino Grand Prix, 1994)

Certainly the most tragic weekend in the recent history of Formula 1. We are at a time when technological advances are beginning to bear fruit and we are witnessing fewer and fewer serious accidents. But during this Grand Prix of the San Marino , it was not one but two pilots who lost their lives.

One day after the death of Roland Ratzenberger, a little experienced driver, during qualifying, he is one of the greatest F1 champions, Ayrton Senna who found death on the circuit. While he is at the head of the race, the latter's car loses a part and hits a wall with full force while he was driving at more than 310 km/h . Needless to say, at that speed, the legendary Brazilian driver died instantly, at the age of 34. He left behind an impressive track record and all fans of F1 or sports in general still know his name today.

Number 4: Gilles Villeneuve (Belgian Grand Prix, 1982)

It was one of its greatest drivers that Canada lost at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. After a altercation with his Ferrari teammate, Didier Pironi, who the day before had overtaken him at the last moment despite the team instructions, Gilles Villeneuve was determined to give everything during qualifying to get the pole position.

But as we reach the end of the race, Villeneuve tries to overtake but hits the other driver's vehicle. His car flies into the air and realizes of multiple barrels . The Canadian's body will end up in the safety grid and he will not survive this violent accident.

Number 5: Romain Grosjean (Bahrain Grand Prix, 2020)

We wanted to end this article on a better note by introducing you to the very recent accident of Romain Grosjean who managed to get out alive. But this crash is no less spectacular, it shocked the entire Formula 1 planet and was broadcast on news channels around the world.

While his car was being launched at about 240 km/h, he came into contact with that of another driver, which threw him directly into the safety rail. Under the violence of the shock, his single-seater cut himself in half and immediately ignited, causing a real blaze.

The images are terrifying , we can barely distinguish the Frenchman's car under the abundance and violence of the flames that ravage it. It is also impossible to see the pilot. The emergency services, very reactive, then rush in and try to extinguish the flames, but despite their efforts and their courage , the flames do not decrease in intensity in the face of the magnitude of the fire. Everyone then thinks that Romain Grosjean is dead, died under the flames and under the helpless eyes of his team, his family and millions of viewers. We can see tears running down the faces of the members of his stable.

But after 28 seconds which seemed like an eternity, the unthinkable happens, we see the Frenchman manage to get out of his vehicle by himself and step over the safety railing to get out of the flames and join the incredible rescue team present just behind the flames. A huge relief for everyone and a happy ending since Romain Grosjean will get away with it almost no sequelae .