Adrian Sutil's not so subtle McLaren smash

©Twitter

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©Twitter

Adrian Sutil endured an expensive weekend in Monte-Carlo, the former Force India driver severly damaging a rare McLaren Senna LM in one of the Principality's back streets.

Pictures of the smashed-up $1 million papaya hypercar went viral on social media, but Sutil apparently escaped the hefty mishap unscathed, with the likely exception of a heavily bruised ego.

Only 20 examples of the Senna LM have been produced, hence its value. And the 800 bhp 4-liter biturbo V8 powered machine is for expert drivers only, which makes Sutil's blunder - if the German was indeed the man behind the wheel of the McLaren - all the more surprising.

Adrian Sutil and his precious Senna LM in better times

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.