The 2016 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix was red flagged on lap 19 of 57 after a frightening looking accident involving McLaren’s Fernando Alonso and Haas’s Esteban Gutierrez.
Alonso was running immediately behind Gutierrez as the pair approached Turn 3 at speed, but made contact with the rear of the Mexican’s car as they entered the braking zone, sending the Spaniard into the left-hand wall.
As Gutierriez spun to a stop, Alonso was pitched into a barrel roll as he went side-on into the gravel. His car was then launched into the air, with its tub eventually coming to rest against the tyre wall at the rear of the gravel trap.
Despite the obvious severity of the accident, Alonso was able to clamber unaided from the wreckage, with Gutierrez also climbing from his car seemingly unharmed as the safety car was deployed.
Next Up
Related Articles
AS IT HAPPENED: Hamilton claims scintillating pole in Mexico City
Norris admits McLaren are ‘too slow’ after Mexico Qualifying
Verstappen and Lawson get grid drops after ‘clumsy’ clash
5 late-notice F1 debutants and how they fared
How 10 F1 rookies got on during FP1 in Mexico City
Hamilton reflects on ‘really unfortunate’ Mexico FP2 stoppage