F1 News: Huge Crash for Franco Colapinto in Sodden Brazilian Grand Prix

Alex Harrington | Nov 3, 2024

Williams Racing driver Franco Colapinto walks the paddock at the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo witnessed a huge crash for rookie driver Franco Colapinto, as the Interlagos circuit proved treacherous under wet conditions.

Colapinto’s incident took place on the notorious run up the hill towards the finish line. The Argentine driver, driving for Williams, lost control of his car and hit the wall hard, which led to substantial debris scattered across the track. Fortunately, Colapinto emerged unhurt, although his Grove machinery did not fare as well, sustaining considerable damage.

🚩Red flag.

Franco collides with the barrier at T14. He's out of the car and is okay.

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 3, 2024

Track conditions have played the leading role in the events that unfolded on what has been a rain-soaked weekend in Sao Paulo. The inclement weather led to the postponement of qualifying to Sunday morning, set against a backdrop of heavy rain that intensified the usual challenges of Interlagos — a circuit already known for its challenging layout. These conditions resulted in multiple incidents, prompting marshals to wave yellow and red flags intermittently throughout the session, a pattern that has continued into the race.

Colapinto’s teammate, Alex Albon was unable to start the race following his own crash during qualifying. It marked a particularly tough weekend for the British team.

The unfolding drama at Interlagos also placed championship leader Max Verstappen in the spotlight. Verstappen's qualifying session was difficult; knocked out in Q2 and facing a five-place engine grid penalty, his race prospects were uncertain. Yet, the red flag that followed Colapinto's crash has advertently provided a strategic advantage to Verstappen and drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly who are all yet to pit.

Karun Chandhok, providing insights for Sky Sports F1, described the aftermath:

"Look at the debris all over the circuit. The damage to the radiator, cooling... no surprise to see a red flag."

David Croft, also from Sky Sports F1, elaborarted:

"This will be a big gain for Esteban Ocon, Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly who haven't pitted in this race. They can all get new tires under this red flag. No one wishes for a red flag when a driver goes off, but this couldn't have worked out better for Verstappen."