Motorsport fans witnessed a major incident just hours before the headline Formula 1 event in Monaco, as a 12-car pile-up caused chaos in the Formula 2 feature race at Sainte Devote corner. The crash led to an immediate red flag, bringing the race to a sudden halt and highlighting the dangers of the tight streets of the principality. This incident is now among the largest collisions in Monaco’s rich motorsport history.
Collision Triggered by Top Qualifiers at Opening Corner
The accident involved the two drivers who started on the front row, Victor Martins and Alex Dunne. Dunne, the pole-sitter, attempted an aggressive move on Martins, going up the inside and clipping Martins’ rear right tyre. This contact pushed both drivers into the wall, sparking a chain reaction that trapped nearly a dozen others behind them. While a few cars managed to continue, the majority were caught up, including 11 vehicles completely stopped at the opening corner and requiring assistance from marshals to clear.
Consequences and Fallout From the Collision
Alex Dunne faces growing criticism after this crash; he was already under scrutiny for a prior qualifying incident that forced a rival into the barriers. Seven drivers, including Martins, Dunne, Richard Verschoor, Gabriele Mini, Ritomo Miyata, Pepe Marti, and Max Esterson, were forced to retire following the pile-up. An upset Martins expressed his frustration in the pits, saying,
Who does he think he is? Max Verstappen?
—Victor Martins, Driver
Impact on the Race and What Lies Ahead
The pile-up significantly altered the course of the Formula 2 race in Monaco, removing key competitors early on and raising questions about driver conduct at such a critical juncture. This event underscores the challenges of racing on Monaco’s narrow streets, where split-second decisions can lead to dramatic consequences. Moving forward, attention will focus on the stewards’ review of Dunne’s actions and how incidents like this may influence future regulations and race strategies during the prestigious Monaco weekend.