Formula One Racer Walks Away Unscathed From 200-mph Crash

by Daniel Popko on Sat, Apr 17, 2010 at 5:32PM

Formula One racing is one of the world’s most popular sports. Like other forms of open-wheel racing, it’s also one of the most dangerous.

Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi experienced the danger firsthand, but luckily managed to escape a 200-mph crash unharmed.

The 21-year-old Buemi had his car flung into the wall after a spectacular crash during practice at the Shanghai International Circuit on Friday. Buemi applied the brakes coming around a tight turn when the front-tight upright failed, though the crew has no idea yet why the part failed. The breaking of the right upright caused excessive pressure on the left upright, breaking that one as well.

The snapping of the uprights — and the attached tethers — caused both tires to fly away from the car, leaving Buemi with no steering or braking ability. Thankfully, the out-of-control chassis merely skidded along the wall, allowing Buemi to escape with no injuries.

Watch the crash below.