Forums Forums Enthusiast Forums A - Z Autowirral Henry Surtees Killed in Freak Accident

Henry Surtees, son of Former Formula One Champion John Surtees, Lost his life today during a freak Motor Racing Incident in the new FIA F2 series race at Brands Hatch.




“Henry was driving between Westfield and Sheene corner when he was struck on the head by a wheel and tyre from another car which had hit the tire wall ahead of him moments before. Henry was immediately knocked unconscious and his car failed to negotiate the following Sheene corner and collided with the barriers.

“The race was red flagged and the medical team were with Henry as soon as possible. He was removed from the car, stabilised and taken to the medical centre where the medical team prepared him for transfer to the Royal London hospital, the regional trauma centre, by helicopter, where he was to be treated.

Formula Two Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer, said before his death was announced “I would like to express my great sadness that Henry has been injured today. An accident like this would obviously raise high levels of concern and we await further news on Henry’s condition from the hospital. This is clearly a very worrying time for John and Jane Surtees. Our thoughts are with them and we will be providing all the support we can.”


Henry was just 18, and a rising star in the motorsport world. After our final race today with the Formula Fords, the shock announcement was made whilst we were in Parc Ferme.
A terrible tragedy for the Surtees family, and a blow to the F2 series whose first race was today. A frek accident not too dissimilar to the one that claimed the life of Ayrton Senna.
My thoughts and condolences to the Surtees family

Was just reading that on another site such a shame

Madness, it doesn't look that bad on video

[youtube]aTDiYS1NVW4[/youtube]

Only 18

Yer, but the Senna crash, though it looked a lot worse, didnt kill him, it was the way the wheel smashed into his head - your talking about a very heavy wheel flying at maybe 30mph+ straight into your head when you are travelling in a different direction in a car at 100mph+. Senna would have likely walked away from his crash, had it not been for the cruel route the wheel took after it flew off.

No amount of head protection is going to help the impact or prevent fracturing of the skull, and the subsequent shock to your brain, which is very delicate.

A freak accident, but one that will always be a possibility in any open-cockpit motor racing.