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F1 crash of Jules Bianchi highlights dangers of racing

By Jordan Pink

Nov 18, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Two Formula One grid girls hold up a F1 flag before the start of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Two Formula One grid girls hold up a F1 flag before the start of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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F1 racing is not a naturally safe sport, but are all of the precautions being taken to make it as safe as it possibly can be?

Jules Bianchi, 25, was involved in a nearly life threatening crash yesterday at the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka raceway. The crash puts a spotlight on the dangers associated with Formula 1, despite the high level safety measures already in place.

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Bianchi reportedly collided with a recovery vehicle that was on track in order to clear the wreckage of an earlier crash.  He lost control and struck the recovery vehicle, which happened to be a tractor.  Bianchi was transported to local hospital and was unconscious during this time.  CT scans upon hospital arrival showed that Bianchi had suffered a severe head injury. He was operated on and later transferred into the intensive care unit at the hospital.

Drivers understand that the sport in which they participate in comes with great risk.  It requires great skill and motor coordination, but more than that it requires immense confidence and bravery.

Many factors led to yesterday’s unfortunate incident.  The slippery conditions and speed at which the cars travel were surely contributing factors to the crash.  BBC reports that F1 was criticized for not stopping the race when the rain started to come down very heavily.

Another factor that led to the incident is the level of difficulty of the Suzuka raceway. The raceway comes with small run-offs and mistakes by drivers are often punished with crashes.

F1 has begun to look into extra cockpit protection for drivers heads. Bianchi’s head injury highlights the need for as much protection as possible. Another inquiry for F1 is alternate methods for the extraction of crashed vehicles. Tractors are large targets and often very difficult for drivers to avoid, especially when exiting a tight turn.

It is difficult to see young drivers and athletes go down to serious injuries. Best wishes to Jules Bianchi in his recovery.

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