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The photographers, just behind the barrier, were at risk during the Monaco Grand Prix. (Photo Credits: X)
The crash happened on the first lap, when Nico Hulkenberg and Zhou Guanyu were directly behind Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen.
During the recent Monaco Grand Prix, a dramatic incident was caught live when Sergio Perez collided with Kevin Magnussen, leading to debris hitting photographers near the track. This caused immediate concern and the race was halted temporarily. The crash happened on the first lap, when Nico Hulkenberg and Zhou Guanyu were directly behind Perez and Magnussen. Hulkenberg tried to avoid the wreckage but was hit by Perez’ car, causing him to spin. Zhou, on the other hand, managed to hit the brake on time and avoided the crash. However, the photographers, just behind the barrier, were at risk and unfortunately, one was rushed to the hospital due to the injury. Now, fan footage circulating on social media provides a chilling view of the intense moment, featuring photographers saving themselves as Perez’ vehicle slammed into the barriers.
According to Race Fans, the crash happened during the climb from Sainte Devote to Massenet, which are the initial corners of the Monte Carlo circuit. The section at Beau Rivage involves back to back curves, which becomes challenging particularly when two cars try to climb side by side. This results in the crash that happened between Perez and Magnussen. Sharing the fan footage, ESPN wrote on X, “These fan angles of Perez’s crash in Monaco. Luckily nobody was hurt.”
In response to the clip, one user claimed there’s not enough space for two cars on the Monaco circuit anymore and suggested the track is no longer suitable for Formula 1 races.
There is no room for 2 cars. Monaco is no longer a F1 suitable circuit.— Aldus (@alduro_) May 27, 2024
Another user always believed it was a hazardous spot for photographers and media to stand so close to the track.
I always thought it was dangerous to stand there 😅— DaKoi 🇦🇹 (@DaKoi_TM) May 27, 2024
An individual suggested to the media to wear helmets similar to marshalls in the pitlane, as they are still at risk during such accidents.
The media still need to wear helmets like the marshal’s do… just because they’re not in the pitlane doesn’t mean they’re not invincible!— marie-louise rands (@mazaradi1) May 27, 2024
One more was surprised to see people are allowed to stand in such a dangerous position right on the turn at Monaco.
I’m surprised people are allowed right there on the turn. Very dangerous.— Nick Kapatais (@nick_kapx) May 27, 2024
Speaking about the collision with Formula One, Sergio Perez explained, “It’s Lap 1, it’s just important if you are not in the right position, automatically you are going to end up losing. I was getting out of the corner, I had basically. On my onboard there is no point where you see Kevin and I was just pretty surprised that he kept it flat at that point, because it was just very unnecessary. We had a lot of damage, we had a very dangerous incident. It was a massive incident, and my car was completely destroyed.”
Kevin Magnussen added, “I think I was with my front alongside Perez’s rear, from the exit of Turn 1 on the run up to Turn 3. He goes towards the wall, the wall comes a little bit back towards the track, and I had nowhere to go. I don’t know if he didn’t see me or what, but I can’t just disappear out of the blue. I made contact with the wall and him at the same time, and unfortunately we had a crash. A crash like this is a big cost for the team.”
Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg were unable to participate in the rest of the Monaco Grand Prix after all three drivers retired following a dramatic collision on the first lap.