This is one of those crashes that has to be seen to be believed
Sophia Florsch, a talented Formula 3 driver, suffered a horrific crash during the Macau Grand Prix on Sunday.
Just before turning into a bend, the 17-year-old German lost control of her car which then flew up into the air, spinning, and crashed into the fences around the edge of the race track.
Fortunately, a statement from her team Van Amersfoort Racing has confirmed that Florsch is conscious and in a stable condition. She has, however, suffered a fractured spine and will have surgery on Monday.
Watching the footage, you can’t help but think the outcome could have been much, much worse.
Terrifying!
A crash in the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix has to be seen to be believed. Early reports suggest everyone involved survived. pic.twitter.com/jc4TXOdNn0
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) November 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/TopGear_BR/status/1064102041893699584
The driver of the other car involved in the crash, Japan’s Sho Tsuboi, has also been taken to hospital with back pain.
Photographer Minami Hiroyuki has concussion, while marshal Chan Cha In suffered a fractured facial bone and lacerations according to race officials. Another photographer, Chan Weng Wang, has a liver laceration.
The race was immediately red-flagged and did not restart until an hour after the incident.
Florsch thanked fans for their messages of support on Twitter after the accident.
Just wanted to let everybody know that I am fine but will be going into Surgery tomorow morning. Thanks to the @fia and @hwaag_official @MercedesAMGF1 who are taking great care of me.
Thanks to everybody for the Supporting messages.
Update soon.— Sophia Floersch (@SophiaFloersch) November 18, 2018
Former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button was one of those to express relief that the crash wasn’t as bad as first feared after footage emerged.
Sorry to hear that @SophiaFloersch has a spinal fracture but looking at the horrific accident she had today in Macau it could have been so much worse. #getwellsoonSophia https://t.co/NFqxi0stNB
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) November 18, 2018
