The most spectacular F1 crashes

As the 2010 Formula One season gets underway, FRANCE 24 looks at a series of spectacular (but by no means exhaustive) crashes that have marked the history of the sport. Miraculously, the drivers escaped unharmed.

Grand Prix of Great Britain - Silverstone (1973)

In 1973, the Grand Prix of Great Britain was the scene of one of the biggest crashes in the history of F1. McLaren driver South African Jody Scheckter was at the heart of a massive pile-up which took out half the field.

Grand Prix of Belgium – Spa-Francorchamps (1998)

In 1998, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit achieved the dubious accolade of being the scene of another of F1's biggest pile-ups. Driving for McLaren, David Coulthard crossed the track twice having missed his first turn. No fewer than a dozen cars became involved in the Scot's accident and were forced out.

Grand Prix of Australia - Melbourne (2002)

At the Australian Grand Prix in 2002, Michael Schumacher dictated the pace but it was his brother, Ralf, who stood out - for the wrong reasons. Ralf crashed into Brazilian Rubens Barrichello; a dozen cars fell out of the race in the ensuing carnage.

Grand Prix de Monaco - Monaco (1980)

In Monaco, the slightest mistake is fatal. Derek Daly Tyrell learned the costly lesson when a collision with the Alfa Romeo of Italian Bruno Giacomelli in the first hundred metres of the race propelled the Briton's car into the air. Fortunately for Tyrell, he came out of his mangled car unscathed.

Grand Prix of Italy - Monza (2000)

The German driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen, under pressure from Italy’s Jarno Trulli, lost control of his car. Seven cars, including that of Rubens Barrichello, then a title contender, went out of the race.

Grand Prix Brazil - Interlagos (1994)

In the absence of Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, then driving for Benneton-Ford, raced ahead, helped in part by the accident suffered by his teammate and rival, Jos Verstappen. On lap 34, the Dutch driver overtook the Jordan of Briton Eddie Irvine, but Irvine fought back, eventually leading to a four-car collision. Irvine and Verstappen, Frenchman Eric Bernard and Briton Martin Brundle were all forced out.

Grand Prix of Italy - Monza (1993)

It is difficult to forget Christian Fittipaldi’s incredible back somersault in his Minardi. The Brazilian's car spun in the air after its wheels came into contact with that of his teammate, Italian Pierluigi Martini. Miraculously, the car landed on its four wheels.