Carlos Sainz Sr in brutal rally crash but dad of F1 star released from hospital as FIA chief promises investigation
THE FATHER of Formula One star Carlos Sainz was involved in a terrifying car crash with chiefs now promising to investigate the incident.
Carlos Sainz Sr, 60, races for Acciona | Sainz XE Team in the Extreme E off-road series and was competing in the Final of the Island X-Prix in Sardinia, Italy when the smash occurred yesterday.
Sainz was in the lead when he was hit by Rosberg X Racing’s Johan Kristoffersson, causing his car to flip.
The Spaniard, who just days ago watched his boy win his first-ever F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, was left momentarily trapped in the wrecked motor before he was finally able to exit it by himself.
Sainz Sr was instantly taken to hospital, while Kristoffersson received a 30-second penalty as he earned his team a third-place finish.
Sainz Sr later eased fears over his condition later that evening on social media - but he slammed the penalty decision.
He said: “Luckily all the medical checks were fine and I have just been released from the hospital, although I feel quite a lot of pain.
“I am really disappointed nevertheless with what happened on the track and even more so with the fact that there was only a 30-second penalty for who caused this big accident.
“In over 40 years in motorsports, this is one of the most serious actions that I have ever seen without an exemplary penalty.
“Thanks a lot to everyone for your messages of support.”
BETTING SPECIAL - LATEST OFFERS AND FREE BETS FOR WIMBLEDON
FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, later confirmed on Twitter that they would be launching an investigation into the crash.
He wrote: “Dear Carlos Sainz, I'm glad you're okay.
“We'll review the matter and discuss it with the FIA's safety department.”