Horrific 339 km/h Bortoleto Crash in Brazil: Inside the Aftermath

Gabriel Bortoleto miraculously walked away unharmed from a horrifying 339 km/h crash at Interlagos during the Sao Paulo GP Sprint. Despite his Sauber disintegrating after two violent impacts, the rookie was protected by advanced F1 safety features, and the Sauber mechanics almost achieved an impossible feat by rebuilding his car.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights the incredible advancements in Formula 1 safety, which allowed Bortoleto to escape serious injury from a high-speed, high-G impact. It also showcases the unparalleled dedication and skill of F1 mechanics, who demonstrated an almost superhuman effort to rebuild a completely destroyed car under immense time pressure.

The details:

• The Incident: Bortoleto lost control of his Sauber C45 at 339 km/h at the end of the main straight while attempting to overtake Alex Albon (Williams). His car veered onto a damp patch, causing the rear to break loose.
• Impact Sequence: The car first slammed into the pit wall, scraped along it for 50 meters, and then launched into the air before hitting the barrier again. Debris, including parts of his wing, entangled with Albon's car.
• G-Forces: Sensors recorded a staggering 34 Gs on the first impact and an even more extreme 57 Gs on the second. These are G-forces that were once considered unsurvivable.
• Safety Features in Action: Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley credited the FIA's safety regulations for saving Bortoleto's life. Onboard footage confirmed the crucial role of the HANS device and the deformable Styrofoam cockpit surround, which absorbed significant energy from the helmet's impact.
• Miraculous Survival: Bortoleto emerged from the mangled wreckage completely unscathed, a testament to the structural integrity of modern F1 cars and the effectiveness of current safety standards.

Between the lines:

Immediately after confirming Bortoleto's safety, the Sauber mechanics embarked on an almost impossible mission: rebuilding the entire car. With the original chassis torn and underbody damaged, a complete overhaul was necessary, making it clear that no components from the wrecked vehicle could be reused.

• Herculean Effort: Under the guidance of Audi F1 Project Leader Mattia Binotto, the team worked at lightning speed to assemble a new chassis, which was pre-prepared with a fuel bladder and electronics. They only needed to install the front axle, engine, and wings.
• Near Miss: Despite their phenomenal efforts, the team missed the qualifying session by just a few minutes, a heartbreaking outcome given their dedication.
• Financial Impact: Binotto noted the significant financial toll, explaining that the cost of all damaged parts immediately impacts the annual budget. The team was already short on spare wings after Nico's sprint crash, emphasizing the tight margin for further incidents.

What's next:

Bortoleto, 20, reflected on the incident, acknowledging his luck and thanking his mechanics. "I wanted to surprise Albon, but I still had DRS open when I hit a bump. Suddenly the car was gone." Despite missing qualifying, he remained optimistic about his home race. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme forces at play in Formula 1 and the critical role of continuous safety innovation. While the mechanics' efforts fell short of qualifying, their spirit and the car's safety performance offer hope for future developments. Bortoleto will undoubtedly carry this experience forward, knowing he can trust the car and the team behind him.