Examining the Formula 1 Crash Sites
by Richard Janvrin,
July 11, 2025
In a Formula 1 race, drivers travel at such a high rate of speed. As with any racing sport, crashes do occur.
When we’re considering wagers at F1 online betting sites for the next big race, a crash is something we may have in the back of our minds, but it’s nothing we want to see.
The sport of F1 has become safer, but sadly, the lives of both racers and spectators have been claimed, especially in the sport’s early days.
Below, we’ll examine various Formula 1 crash sites and provide insight into what happened to deem those on this list as the worst crashes in F1 history.
- Pierre Levegh: The 1955 Le Mans Disaster
- Ayrton Senna’s Death in 1994
- Jules Bianchi at Japanese Grand Prix 2014
- Jochen Rindt Death at Italian Grand Prix
- Romain Grosjean at 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix
Pierre Levegh: The 1955 Le Mans Disaster
To me, June 11, 1955, not only marks the most devastating Formula 1 crash; it’s the most devastating crash in racing history across all major motorsports leagues.
Why does this stand out among the worst F1 crashes?
Not only did driver Pierre Levegh die, but about 80 spectators also passed away.
This was the “24 Hours of Le Mans,” and Levegh, who was driving a Mercedes, collided with Lance Macklin and his Austin Healey. Macklin swerved to avoid hitting Mike Hawthorn as his car, a Jaguar, was slowing down.
As a result, Levegh’s Mercedes launched in the air at about 125 miles per hour and went over the low berm and into the grandstands.
The Mercedes combusted mid-air, and the body of the car, made out of magnesium alloy (known as Elektron), essentially became a massive fireball.
There was flaming debris, including the hood and engine block, that went into the crowd. It killed and injured many.
Here’s the kicker: the race continued.
No driver was at fault, of course, but there were some serious red flags raised regarding the design of the race tracks and the safety of fans. This resulted in some countries banning F1, including Switzerland, which only recently allowed it again in 2022.
Mercedes stopped running a car, too.
This led to massive redesigns of tracks and better crash barriers.
As far as Formula 1 accidents go, nothing will ever top the devastation this one had.
Ayrton Senna’s Death in 1994
Next up, one of the worst crashes in F1 history belongs to 3-time F1 champion Ayrton Senna.
On May 1, 1994, Senna was killed at the San Marino Grand Prix after he crashed into a concrete wall at a high rate of speed. This happened at the high-speed Tamburello corner.
It was discovered that the crash was caused by a broken steering column. It was welded poorly, and it snapped while Senna was traveling at approximately 190 miles per hour. This sent him off the track immediately.
To make this crash worse, this came after another one of the saddest Formula 1 accidents: rookie Roland Ratzenberger died during qualifying, and Rubens Barrichello was also in a massive crash.
The suspension arm of Senna’s car penetrated his helmet just above his right eye. He suffered massive head trauma and a skull fracture.
From aerial footage of the crash, you can see blood coming from his car. He was airlifted but was pronounced dead later.
It had been about 12 years since someone died in F1. There was a greater emphasis on redesigning tracks, cockpit height regulations, and an overall revision of safety standards.
This is one of the biggest F1 crashes in the history of the sport and one of the saddest days it has experienced.
Jules Bianchi at Japanese Grand Prix 2014
A Formula 1 crash that once again sent shockwaves through the sport was Jules Bianchi’s death at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. This was the first death in F1 since Senna’s in 1994.
During the race, there was plenty of rain, which contributed to Bianchi, a 25-year-old French driver, suffering a deadly crash. This crash occurred on Lap 43. There were yellowed flags from a previous incident that included Adrian Sutil. During this, Bianchi lost control of his car, and it veered off at a high rate of speed on the Dunlop Curve. He slammed into the recovery tractor crane that was assisting Sutil’s vehicle.
Bianchi suffered brain trauma from the crash. It was classified as a “diffuse axonal injury.”
Bianchi was rushed into emergency surgery. He was in a coma for nine long months before he finally passed on July 17, 2015.
While no single factor was deemed responsible, Formula 1 introduced the Virtual Safety Car (VSC). This slows the field when dangerous conditions are present, without requiring a full-on safety car.
Even with modern technology and the remnants of the past, Formula 1 remains one of the more dangerous sports.
Jochen Rindt Death at Italian Grand Prix
During the 1970 Italian Grand Prix, Rindt was involved in a fatal crash, making it one of the worst crashes in F1 history during practice. In practice, he ran a wingless Lotus 72 that was optimized for speed.
On his fifth lap, it’s suspected that a right front brake shaft failed and sent him violently into the guardrail at the Parabolica corner. The crash barrier split, and Rindt hit a stanchion.
Rindt had just a four-point harness and slid beneath the belt. His cause of death was an injury to his throat from the strap.
He was pronounced dead en route to the hospital.
Lotus withdrew from the race, and an investigation discovered a mechanical failure and mediocre crash barrier installation.
Rindt won five races that season and was firmly in the lead for the championship.
Even though he died, no one was able to overtake him, and, believe it or not, he was named champion.
To this day, Rindt is the only posthumous champion in F1 history.
Not only was this one of the worst F1 crashes, as a legend of the sport’s life was claimed, but it also further emphasized just how fantastic a driver he was, as he still managed to win the championship.
Romain Grosjean at 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix
A more recent example is one of the worst F1 crashes in recent memory that thankfully didn’t claim a life, which belonged to Romain Grosjean.
During the 2020 season, Grosjean had a tough go of things with Haas. He had just two points before announcing his departure.
However, his F1 career ended rather sadly, as he was involved in a crash on the first lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix. His car split in half and was engulfed in flames.
Thankfully, Grosjean was able to get out of the car within 28 seconds. He suffered burns to his hands and ankles, but thanks to flame-retardant clothing, he wasn’t more seriously hurt.
The Halo device is also credited with saving Grosjean. This structure is used to protect the driver’s head from an impact and/or debris.