Fernando Alonso says he is 'lucky' to have walked away from his terrifying crash during the Australian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver clattered into the back of Esteban Gutierrez's Haas as the pair squabbled over 19th place, sending Alonso into a horrifying rollover.
The impact was big enough to result in the race being red-flagged. Alonso emerged unscathed from the crash, something he told the BBC he is lucky to have done.
"It was a big crash," he said. "I tried to take the slip stream of Gutierrez until braking point and in the last moment it was a combination of factors that we ended up with a crash.
"Lucky we are both okay talking to you guys, and I'm thankful for the safety of the car and I am alive talking to you. Thanks to FIA work and continual safety."
In terms of blame, Alonso pointed out that he felt the accident was nothing more than a racing incident.
"I think it is a racing incident," he confirmed. "We both tried to fight and obviously sometimes we forget we are at 300km/h and every little crash can become much bigger.
"This one was disappointing because we start the championship with zero points and damaged the power unit so we probably have to take the second one immediately."
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This article by Andrew van Leeuwen originally appeared on Motorsport.com, the world's leader in auto racing news, photos, and video.
The impact was big enough to result in the race being red-flagged. Alonso emerged unscathed from the crash, something he told the BBC he is lucky to have done.
"It was a big crash," he said. "I tried to take the slip stream of Gutierrez until braking point and in the last moment it was a combination of factors that we ended up with a crash.
"Lucky we are both okay talking to you guys, and I'm thankful for the safety of the car and I am alive talking to you. Thanks to FIA work and continual safety."
In terms of blame, Alonso pointed out that he felt the accident was nothing more than a racing incident.
"I think it is a racing incident," he confirmed. "We both tried to fight and obviously sometimes we forget we are at 300km/h and every little crash can become much bigger.
"This one was disappointing because we start the championship with zero points and damaged the power unit so we probably have to take the second one immediately."
Related Video:
This article by Andrew van Leeuwen originally appeared on Motorsport.com, the world's leader in auto racing news, photos, and video.
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