Sophia Floersch crash: Teenage F3 driver fractures spine in horrifying high-speed incident at Macau Grand Prix

Footage of the incident shows Floersch's Van Amersfoort car speed into a corner out of control before clipping another car, flying through the air and crashing into a media building beside the track

Lawrence Ostlere
Monday 19 November 2018 04:25 EST
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Moment of dramatic crash during Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix

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The teenage F3 driver Sophia Floersch underwent successful surgery on her back on Monday after fracturing her spine in a high-speed crash at the Macau Grand Prix on Sunday.

Footage of the incident showed Floersch’s Van Amersfoort Racing car speed into a corner out of control before clipping another car, flying through the air and crashing into a media building beside the track.

The driver of the other car, Sho Tsuboi, also crashed and was taken to hospital, as were two photographers and a race marshal.

An initial medical report revealed Floersch was conscious and that her vital signs were stable, but that she had suffered a fracture to the spine.

Later she tweeted: “Just wanted to let everybody know that I am fine but will be going into Surgery tomorow [sic] morning. Thanks to the @fia and @hwaag_official @MercedesAMGF1 who are taking great care of me. Thanks to everybody for the Supporting messages. Update soon.”

The 17-year-old German is a highly regarded talent, having driven in Formula 4 before making the step up to the F3 championship, which is currently led by Michael Schumacher’s son Mick.

The race was immediately red flagged before restarting more than an hour later.

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