The British GP , scheduled for 52 laps, was suspended with a red flag due to a spectacular incident involving Russell, Gasly and Zhou , which ended up overturning.
The Alfa Romeo driver skidded at the Abbey corner and collided with the barrier, causing him to overturn and jump the tire barrier, leaving his car stopped between those protections and the metal fence.
Guanyu Zhou was taken to the medical center for a medical examination, and his team confirmed that he had no fractures and was conscious throughout the incident.
From behind, and as a result of Zhou’s accident, Alexander Albon suffered a touch from Sebastian Vettel and spun, and was instantly hit by Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon, suffering extensive damage to the car and having to retire.
Although he apparently emerged from his car unharmed, he was sent to the medical center for a first check-up and, according to the FIA and Williams, transferred to a Coventry hospital for further evaluation.
“Two drivers involved in the incident at the start of the race were checked at the medical centre,” the FIA said.
“There were no major injuries. The driver of car 24 (Zhou) is under observation at the medical center.”
“The driver of car 23 (Albon) will be airlifted to Coventry Hospital for precautionary checks.”
“The driver of car 63 (Russell) passed a check-up by medical staff and was declared fit.”
Williams later confirmed the news on social media: “Alex has been airlifted to Coventry Hospital for precautionary checks following the first lap incident.”
“We will update the information when possible.”
Zhou was placed under observation after his incident, and was eventually cleared with no major injuries and released from the medical center.
George Russell was unable to take the second start after the restart after his Mercedes, which suffered a left rear tire puncture in its collision with Pierre Gasly on the main straight, was towed to the rear of the stewards’ tow truck, what is considered as having received external assistance.
The British pilot told the media that he had asked the stewards to leave his car while he asked the team and that, before he knew it, they had already mounted it on the crane.
