FIA probe into flying wheel after Spa accident

The FIA has launched an investigation into the dramatic accident involving British driver George Russell at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Russell was fortunate to escape unharmed from his Williams after he hit AntonioGiov in azzi’ s er rant wheel at 125mph. The tyre was sent hurtling towards Russell when Giovinazzi lost control of his Alfa Romeo on the exit of the Fagnes chicane.

Wheel tethers were introduced into Formula One to prevent tyres from flying off a car during collisions.

FIA race director Michael Masi said: “It is a concern that it happened. Why the wheel came detached, I am not 100 per cent sure. The FIA technical department along with the safety department will investi - gate why it happened.

“It is too early to draw conclusions with an incident like that, but what I will say is that safety is live. It is something that is always improving and something we can always learn from. An educated decision will be made, and not a knee-jerk reaction, as to whether any improve - ments are required.”

Formula One’s govern - ingbodyw ill be keen to get to the bottom of the heart-stopping accident ahead of the Italian Grand Prix which takes place at Monza this weekend. The track, nicknamed the Cathedral of Speed, is the fastest on the calendar with an average lap speed of just under 160mph.

Norfolk 22- year-old Russell admitted he was grateful for the halo – the cockpit protection device introduced in 2018– in case the wheel had struck his car a few inches higher.

F1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn said: “That accident was horrible and it was one of those situations where, though it wasn’t so relevant in this case, we are glad we have safety devices like the halo. It was such a relief to see George and Antonio get out of the car unscathed.

“It is testament to the progress that has been made in the safety of F 1 cars in the last 20 to 30 years, but safety is something we must never take for granted.”