Formula 2 Driver Henry Surtees Killed In Freak Crash At Brands Hatch: Video

Formula 2 driver Henry Surtees was killed on Sunday in a crash at Brands Hatch in England. While there have been many incidents where drivers have been killed during a race, this one is particularly shocking.

The car driven by Jack Clarke lost control in a turn and hit a wall. A tire came loose from his car and bounced across the track. In a freak bit of horrific timing, the tire hit Henry Surtees in the head. He was immediately knocked unconscious and drove straight through the next turn with his foot still on the accelerator. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Henry Surtees was the son of 1964 Formula One World Champion John Surtees. Just 18 years old, he was just beginning his move up through the racing ranks, reaching the podium for the first time in Formula 2 on Saturday. Perhaps F1 could have been in his future. Sadly, we will never know.

The video below shows the broadcast footage of the crash. Obviously, since we are dealing with a deadly accident, viewer discretion is advised.

Although some might argue that the wheel tethers were insufficient in this crash (the video shows tires coming off of each car when they hit the fence – so either the tethers on both cars failed or they were not being used on these cars, this is still being debated), the reality is that no car will ever be perfectly safe, no matter what safety measures are implemented. This was just a freak accident that is part of the danger of open-wheel, open-cockpit racing. A split-second difference either way and that tire misses Surtees completely. It is a sobering to all of us that a life can be taken so quickly with no warning.

RIP, Henry Surtees.

Tragedy for ex-Formula One champion Surtees as son, 18, killed at Brands Hatch [Daily Mail]

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