Severe accident at high speed

Valtteri Bottas was involved in a severe accident at 320 km/h during the Mexican Grand Prix. The Cadillac driver was unharmed, but the race was interrupted by a red flag.

Incident on the 44th lap

The Mexican Grand Prix was abruptly interrupted after an impressive accident involving Valtteri Bottas. On the 44th of 71 laps, the Finn lost control of his Cadillac at very high speed, before finishing his trajectory in the safety barriers of the first corner.

Suspension failure and impact

The accident occurred as Valtteri Bottas was entering the first corner of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, at the end of the long main straight. His Cadillac was traveling at approximately 320 km/h when a sudden failure of the left front suspension destabilized the monopost.

Car damage and sparks

Deprived of its usual support, the car immediately sank onto the asphalt. When Bottas applied the brakes, a significant amount of sparks escaped from underneath the Cadillac, which had become practically uncontrollable.

Driver's condition and red flag

Clearly stunned by the impact, Bottas took several moments before being able to reassure his entourage. His raised thumb was the first encouraging signal after particularly impressive images. The severity of the accident and the damage caused to the barriers forced the race officials to intervene immediately.

Race interruption and implications

The Cadillac being immobilized against the barriers, it was impossible to continue the Grand Prix under satisfactory safety conditions. Therefore, the FIA race director, Rui Marques, decided to deploy the red flag in order to allow the evacuation of the monopost and the repair of the damaged facilities.

Race standings before the interruption

This interruption occurred at an important moment in the race, as several drivers were competing for the first positions. Max Verstappen was leading the Grand Prix at the wheel of his Red Bull, ahead of Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.

Potential consequences for the race

The interruption could have consequences for the continuation of the race, particularly in terms of tire strategy. Teams indeed have the possibility to change tires during a red flag suspension. But the main thing remains the health status of Valtteri Bottas, whose accident could have had much more serious consequences considering the speed at which his suspension gave way.

Race halted on the 46th lap

Fortunately, the Finn was able to signal that he was fine, while the officials worked to restore the track to condition before a possible resumption. The Mexican Grand Prix was interrupted on the 46th lap this Sunday after the major crash of the Finnish Cadillac driver, Valtteri Bottas.