Formula One racing is a notoriously dangerous sport, with dozens of drivers having died or sustained life-changing injuries over the years. However, it isn't just those behind the wheel who are at risk.
This weekend, a mechanic was rushed to hospital after Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen snapped his leg in half during a pit stop - and the incident was captured on live TV.
The accident happened on the 36th lap, when Raikkonen pulled up for his second tire change. The mechanic - who has been named as Francesco Cigarini - was working on the back left tire when the driver was given the green light to pull off again. Unfortunately, Cigarini's leg had been positioned directly in front of the wheel when Raikkonen accelerated, and the impact snapped his shinbone and fibula.
Sergio Marchionne, Ferrari’s chairman, has apologized for what happened.
"First and foremost, I wish our mechanic a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the track soon," he said in a statement, before going on to say that he regretted the mistake costing Raikkonen his potential third place. "I am sorry for Kimi, who could certainly have finished on the podium. The team performed consistently all weekend and we were front-runners from the start of practice."
You can see footage of the incident below. Please be warned, though, it's not for the squeamish:
Ferrari has since been fined €50,000 ($61,331) for the incident, and an investigation has taken place in order to determine why the green light was given before the tyre was changed.
Cigarini, meanwhile, has provided an update on his condition on Instagram. "The operation went well," he wrote. "I want to thank all the people who asked about me and worried. Only a big thank you. Hugs."
While the accident certainly looked painful, Cigarini is probably lucky he didn't end up with more serious injuries. We wish him a speedy recovery, and hope that nothing like this happens to any other mechanics in future.
