©BenStansill-AFP/Getty

The footage of Zhou Guanyu's Alfa Romeo darting upside down through the gravel trap at Silverstone's first corner was in itself a harrowing scene.

But this extraordinary static shot by AFP/Getty photographer Ben Stansill of Zhou's car wedged between the Safer barrier and the catch fencing depicts the full extent of the Chinese driver's likely moment of massive anguish.

Having survived the Alfa's terrifying joy ride essentially thanks to the halo, Zhou was now locked in his cockpit, with no escape route to follow and with no other choice but to wait for outside help while hoping his car wouldn't ignite into a fiery - and likely terminal - fireball.

Thanks to the swift intervention of Silverstone's marshals, it all ended well for Zhou who survived to fight another day.

Credit also goes to George Russell whose first reaction was to rush to where the stricken Alfa had come to rest and to check on Zhou.

But the 23-year-old's scary wreck in the British GP was another reminder that despite the indisputable progress of safety in F1, zero risk will never exist in motor racing.

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.

Recent Posts

Horner weighs in on explosive 2026 F1 engine controversy

Christian Horner has waded into Formula 1’s latest technical storm, addressing the growing controversy over…

1 hour ago

Newey: AI has been shaping F1 ‘for a long time’

Aston Martin’s chief architect and team principal Adrian Newey believes Formula 1’s latest buzzword is…

3 hours ago

Norris gets a pole-position welcome at old primary school

Fresh from pre-season testing and with a world title now stitched onto his racing overalls,…

4 hours ago

Two on the trot for Laffite and Ligier in Brazil

On this day in 1979, Jacques Laffite won the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos as…

5 hours ago

Russell hungry for ‘head-to-head’ title clash with Verstappen

George Russell is not hiding his appetite for a showdown this season in F1. In…

6 hours ago

Vowles confident Williams won’t start F1 season ‘on the back foot’

Williams may have missed the first public glimpse of Formula 1’s bold new era, but…

7 hours ago