Indian F2 driver Kush Maini survives horrific crash at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Indian driver Kush Maini survived a horrific crash on Sunday after stalling at the start of the Formula 2 main race, a support race to Formula 1.

The frightening incident occurred on the first lap of the Formula 2 race preceding the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The 23-year-old Indian was unable to continue at the start of the race when his car's engine suddenly failed, causing his co-drivers Josep Maria Marti and Oliver Goethe to lose their visibility, leading to a serious collision.

The rear of Maini's car was completely destroyed by the force of the impact, but fortunately he escaped unharmed.

Maini’s father Gautam confirmed PTI that his son was fine.

“He is doing well. Kush has had all medical tests done as part of standard protocol and all findings are normal,” he said.

Maini, who is in his second Formula 2 season for Invicta Racing, is 11th in the overall standings. The race was won by Trident's Richard Verschoor.

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Safety in motorsport has improved dramatically over the past two decades, but the sport remains dangerous. Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert succumbed to his injuries in 2019 following an accident on the legendary Spa Francorchamps race track in Belgium. The Frenchman was only 22 years old.

Jules Bianchi, only 25 years old, died in a collision with a tow truck during the Japanese Grand Prix in Formula 1 in 2014. After the fatal accident, the FIA ​​introduced Halo, a head protection system, on all Formula 1 cars.