Gabriel Bortoleto « Okay » After Terrifying 57G Crash at Interlagos

Gabriel Bortoleto Declared « Okay » After Terrifying 57G Crash at Interlagos

The motorsport world held its breath during the final lap of the São Paulo Grand Prix Sprint race as Sauber F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto was involved in a horrifying high-speed accident. In a testament to the incredible safety standards of modern Formula 1, Bortoleto has been declared okay after the incident, which registered a massive 57G impact (1,2).

A Final Lap Battle Ends in Disaster

The crash occurred on the very last lap of the sprint race at the iconic Interlagos circuit. Bortoleto was engaged in a tight battle for position with Williams driver Alex Albon and Isack Hadjar. As they approached the first corner on a damp section of the track, Bortoleto’s car was launched into the air before making heavy contact with the barriers (3).

The violence of the impact was immediately apparent, leading to widespread concern for the Brazilian driver’s condition. His team quickly came on the radio to check on him, and to the immense relief of everyone watching, Bortoleto responded.

« I’m okay, » Bortoleto confirmed over the team radio, his voice a welcome sound after the shocking crash (4).

Medical Update and Relief

Following the incident, Bortoleto was taken to the circuit’s medical center for precautionary checks, a standard procedure after such a significant impact. The Sauber F1 team later issued an update confirming that their driver was unharmed.

« Following a crash at the end of the sprint race, Gabriel is ok and being taken to the circuit’s Medical Centre as a precaution, » the team stated shortly after the incident (5).

He was quickly cleared by the medical staff, having miraculously escaped injury. The extensive damage to his car, however, meant he was unable to participate in the qualifying session for the main Grand Prix later that day 1. Bortoleto himself acknowledged the severity of the crash, stating he was « lucky » to walk away (3).

A Testament to Modern F1 Safety

Bortoleto’s ability to walk away from a 57G impact is a powerful demonstration of the continuous advancements in Formula 1 safety. The strength of the halo, the chassis, and the energy-absorbing structures of the car all played a critical role in protecting the driver from serious injury.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of motorsport but also as a reassuring example of the effectiveness of the safety measures implemented by the FIA and the teams. The outcome could have been tragically different in a previous era of the sport.