The Macau Grand Prix has always been a dangerous event. This year it would be no exception: A massive airborne crash took place during the F3 race. Sophia Floersch, went backwards at full speed, hitting the car of Japanese Sho Tsuboi which caused her car to fly into the air. The Van Amersoort driver then flew Some distance, searing the top of the fencing at Lisboa Corner and straight in to the very crowded area full of photographers and marshals.
An official statement by FIA, later removed from their website, said: “A serious incident has occurred on lap 4 of the 2018 FIA World Cup at Macau involving car #25 Sophia Florsch (GER). Following evaluation by the medical staff, the driver is conscious and has subsequently been taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”
Official statement regarding @sophiafloersch's accident at the #MacauGP. pic.twitter.com/txkfJkePXq
— VanAmersfoortRacing (@VARmotorsport) November 18, 2018
In a later statement by the MacauGP Organizing Committe, it was confirmed that “Five individuals were involved in the accident at Lisboa Bend. All were conscious during transit to the hospital and are now receiving medical treatment: Two drivers, two photographers and one marshal.”
Floersch confirmed she was conscious, sending out a tweet:
Just wanted to let everybody know that I am fine but will be going into Surgery tomorow morning. Thanks to the @fia and @hwaag_official @MercedesAMGF1 who are taking great care of me.
Thanks to everybody for the Supporting messages.
Update soon.— Sophia Floersch (@SophiaFloersch) November 18, 2018
In the latest statement by Van Amersfoort Racing, it became clear that she was diagnosed with a spinal fracture.
The accident caused a red flag, which lasted over an hour, after the restart, Dan Ticktum was the eventual winner.
Featured image: Thomas Suer/Van Amersfoort Racing